(File photo/battlefordsNOW staff)

By Angela Brown

COVID-19 precautions

Chapel Gallery re-opening date still uncertain

Mar 11, 2021 | 5:18 PM

The Chapel Gallery reopening date remains uncertain at this point due to the impact of COVID-19 restrictions.

At its recent meeting, North Battleford council looked at potential plans to reopen this gallery, which has been closed to the public since March 2020 when the province’s pandemic restrictions started.

Director of Parks and Recreation Cheryl DeNeire said the city’s 2021 budget included funds for a re-opening plan for the gallery for a potential July 2021 date.

“The programming is in place but it really rests on how soon the restrictions are lifted,” she said.

City council has been using the Chapel Gallery to hold its council meetings since November 2020, to ensure there is enough space for council members to social distance adequately.

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DeNeire said in her report city administration now expects council chambers will remain at the Chapel Gallery until at least September when there is a possibility social distancing restrictions will have been lifted due to the province’s vaccination rollout plan.

The timing will be decided by the Saskatchewan Health Authority. After the restrictions are lifted, she said, council would then have the option to return to council chambers at city hall.

City manager Randy Patrick said the city expected to re-open the Chapel Gallery to the public in July, but the space may still be needed by council then due to continuing social distancing requirements.

“If you asked me a week ago, I would have said likely it will be until September,” he said. “But we are not sure what the new rules are, and I think that would be part of the conversation.”

Administration plans to bring more information to council as the timeline gets closer.

“July 1 was always our target date. It could be extended a little bit on the longer side if necessary, but we would inform the public if we are doing that,” Patrick said.

He mentioned someone on this council had COVID-19 at one point, so the city is focusing on doing its best to keep everyone safe.

The Chapel Gallery plans four shows this year, featuring work by youth through the Hazee Youth Art Competition, by gallery members, and by local professional artists Holly Hildebrand, Sherron Burns, Oriol Dancer, and Birgit Lessing in an exhibition called Confluent Dreams. An exhibition by Charley Farrero is also planned.

DeNeire also mentioned in her report a mobile display system could be purchased by the city that could be moved to various locations, including expanding exhibit options at the Chapel Gallery. This item will be included in the city’s 2022 budget process, unless there is a decision to purchase it earlier.

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angela.brown@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @battlefordsNOW