MELFORT 鈥� A license agreement was approved by Melfort council, renting Swartout Hall at the Kerry Vickar Centre to the Saskatchewan Health Authority to create mass COVID-19 vaccination clinics.
In a previous announcement, Paul Merriman, Saskatchewan鈥檚 health minister, said that they are hopeful that mass vaccinations can start as soon as April with Phase 2.
Phase 2 will focus on vaccinating the general population in 10-year increments.
According to the approved agreement passed by Melfort council on their March 8 meeting, the health authority will be renting the space from March 15 to June 30.
Glenn George, Melfort鈥檚 mayor, said there will be an option for the health authority to continue renting the hall, which also serves as a community gymnasium, beyond June if necessary.
鈥淚 think it鈥檚 great that we鈥檙e getting to a stage where we鈥檙e going to need it, I鈥檓 glad we have a big enough place for it,鈥� George said. 鈥淚 think they鈥檙e working on getting a drive-through in Melfort, but nothing's concrete yet.鈥�
George said some community members have already booked the hall within that time frame, and still may continue if the health authority is not using the space. If schedules collide, the health authority will be prioritized.
Other user groups who currently use the space are expected to be moved to the Northern Lights Palace.
鈥淭here鈥檚 a contingency plan,鈥� he said. 鈥淭he walking program will go to the Palace, some of them can go in the smaller places in the Kerry Vickar Centre 鈥� stuff like that.鈥�
The Saskatchewan Health Authority will be paying $7,500 plus tax per month to rent Swartout Hall.
