Membership Updates

COVID-19 Update – February 9

The Paperny Family JCC has been committed throughout the pandemic to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all members, staff, tenants, and patrons. We have met – and at times – exceeded public health guidance in an effort to protect our community.

Following the removal of the Province of Alberta’s Restrictions Exemption Program, proof of vaccination will no longer be a prerequisite for visitors to access the facility. Masks remain an effective way to reduce the spread and transmission of COVID-19 and as such, masks will continue to be a requirement to enter the building.

We will update you with information as more details of the provincial re-opening plan become available.

We ask for your continued patience and understanding for our staff, and for one another, as we once again adapt to the new changes.

COVID-19 Update – November 12

We want to thank everyone for your patience and understanding as we implemented the Restrictions Exemption Program (REP) in line with the City of Calgary Vaccine Passport Bylaw. This program requires that all members and patrons 12 years and older accessing our building provide a valid proof of vaccination, a privately-paid negative PCR or rapid test within 72 hours of service or a medical exemption letter.

As per the Government of Alberta, effective November 15, 2021, proof of COVID-19 vaccination will only be accepted with an Alberta vaccine records with QR codes (paper or digital).

Please note, all of our members and patrons 12 years and older must be re-screened using the QR code app to verify that two vaccine doses have been received. As verification, we will also require government-issued identification for anyone 18 years of age or older.

To comply with these new requirements, we will be reactivating the “alert” on all our member accounts. Once your vaccination has been verified, you will be able to gain access by swiping your card rather than having to show your proof of vaccination each time you are at the JCC.

We thank you once again for your patience as we incorporate this new procedure.

The overall health and safety of our members, patrons, staff, and tenants remains our top priority.

Please reach out to Rhona Shore if you have questions and / or concerns.

COVID-19 Update – September 17

Since Alberta has declared a state of public health emergency and has implemented new health measures, we have been working to adjust our operations to do our part in protecting the health care system. The overall health and safety of our members, patrons, staff, and tenants remains our top priority.

Effective Monday, September 20, the Paperny Family JCC will be operating under the Restrictions Exemption Program. The program will require all members and patrons 12 years and older to have received at least their first vaccination on or before September 6, 2021 to enter the facility. Upon entry, proof of one of the following must be shown:

• Government-issued proof of COVID-19 double vaccination (between September 20 and October 25, proof of a single dose will be accepted as long as the dose was given two or more weeks prior to attendance);
• Proof of a privately-paid negative PCR or rapid test within 72 hours of service (tests from AHS or Alberta Precision Laboratories not allowed); or
• Documentation of a medical exemption.

Valid proof of vaccination includes:

• Paper copy, digital copy or photo of your AHS or Pharmacist COVID-19 Immunization Record.
• My Health Records Immunization Record or Personal Health Report.
• Out of Province Vaccination Passport.

Our childcare programs are governed by the Ministry of Child and Family Services, and information specific to these programs will be communicated directly to parents.

We will continue to offer our GroupX, Active Living and PWR! Moves classes virtually via Zoom for our members only.

What your visit looks like:

• When you arrive at the JCC, you will be asked to present one of the three documents as listed above.
• Once provided, you will be granted access to the building. If you are unable to provide any of the above, you will not be able to access in-person services at the JCC.
• Masks are required at all times for everyone two years old and older, everywhere in the JCC except while exercising or eating at Karen’s Café.

Please arrive early to allow time to proceed through the vaccination screening process.

We recognize that everyone will have differing levels of comfort with the changes they are being asked to make. It is critical that we all remain respectful to one another, and want to remind you that abusive language towards our staff will not be tolerated. Anyone displaying these behaviours will be removed from the building immediately, and no refund will be provided.

We thank all of you for your continued support as we work together through this challenging time.

Please reach out to Rhona Shore if you have questions and / or concerns.

Facility Update: Access to Facility – July 23

It is wonderful to see so many familiar faces – and new ones too! – at the Paperny Family JCC. We are thrilled to have many of our programs running onsite and there is a familiar, happy humming back in the building again.

Please note: As of Sunday, July 25 the front gates will be re-activated and you will require your membership card to access the facility. If you have misplaced your membership card you may replace one for a $5 charge. If you have any questions, please email our Customer Service Desk or call 403-253-8600, ext.0.

Facility Update: Masks – July 5

At the Paperny Family JCC, we are committed to the safety and well-being of our members, patrons, staff, and tenants. As such, we will continue to require mask wearing in all common areas of the Centre. This is inline with City of Calgary’s requirement of masks in places such as recreation centres.

With each stage of the provincial re-opening plan, JCC staff has been working hard to ensure that individuals and families are provided a safe and positive experience. All decisions are made in consultation with our Senior Leadership Team and local resources from the Recreation Leadership Network in Alberta. All protocols – including mask wearing – will be regularly evaluated by the Senior Leadership Team and may be amended as the summer progresses.

If you do enter the building without a mask, we will provide one for you to use. Verbal abuse towards our staff will not be tolerated whatsoever.

We thank you for your continued cooperation.

COVID-19 Response, Important Update for Our Members – June 10

The following list of programs will be open for in-person, pre-booked time slots beginning on Monday, June 14, 2021:

• Weight room
• CrossFit
• Group exercise
• Aquafit
• Lane and family swim
• Private and semi-private swimming lessons

Time slots can be booked online two days in advance for JCC members and one day in advance for the public. We will not be allowing any drop-ins at this time.

What does this mean for your membership?
If you currently have an active membership, you can start attending in-person programming as of Monday June 14, 2021.

If your membership is currently on hold and you wish to start attending in-person programming anytime in June, you will be required to pay a pro-rated membership fee until June 30, 2021. Your first regular payment will be withdrawn starting on July 1, 2021.

All memberships that have been placed on hold will automatically be reactivated and payment will be withdrawn on July 1, 2021. If you wish to extend the hold on your membership until August 31, 2021, you will be required to pay an additional holding fee of:

• 30 per couple / family
• $15 per individual

You must contact the Customer Services Desk at 403-253-8600, ext.0 in order to be eligible for this extended hold.

We missed you!
The JCC staff team is working hard to welcome everyone back to a safe and comfortable environment. We continue to follow all of the Alberta Health Services COVID guidelines for re-opening in each program area.

Reduced occupancy, mandatory masks in common areas, and regular sanitizing and cleaning will remain part of our daily protocols.

It is critical that we all remain respectful to one another as we move forward to a full re-opening of all programming. We are thankful for your continued support!

COVID-19 Response, Important Update for Our Members – April 29

The Paperny Family JCC has been closely monitoring all updated COVID-19 restriction information. In line with today’s announcement from the Alberta government, our pool will be closed effective Friday, April 30, 2021.

We will NOT be offering pre-booked, in-person, one-on-one and same household indoor personal training, and swimming lessons or family pool bookings. We will contact all affected patrons to reschedule their sessions, as soon as these are permitted to resume.

Please note, we will continue to offer all of our current virtual programming as well as outdoor, one-on-one, personal training. Our childcare and children’s programming continue to operate as usual.

Effective this Saturday, May 1, our building hours will be adjusted to:
Mondays to Fridays: 7:00am to 6:00pm
Saturday and Sundays: Closed

The safety and well-being of members, users, and staff is our priority. We will continue monitoring the on-going updates from the Province and Alberta Health to determine when it is appropriate to re-open our doors and resume on-site activities.

Thank you for your support and understanding during this difficult time.

COVID-19 Response, Important Update for Our Members – April 6

In response to the announcement made on April 6 by the Alberta government to return to Step 1 under the Path Forward Plan, the Calgary JCC weight room will be closed until further notice.

One-on-one personal training remains a great option at this time, as well as private swim lessons and household pool bookings.

The Calgary JCC continues to keep our members and patrons’ safety our number one priority by following all mandated restrictions.

Let’s continue working together to “Stop the Spike“!

COVID-19 Response, Important Update for Our Members – March 31

The JCC remains under Step 2 in Alberta’s “Path Forward Plan”. As a result of these continued restrictions, any member with a hold on their JCC membership will have an automatic extension until Monday, May 3, 2021. If you have paid the $15 holding fee there is no need to contact us.

We know how vital it is to your physical and mental health to be able to access opportunities for safe exercise. We are currently working with a local Recreational Leadership Network group to make our collective voices heard. We have also written to AHS officials requesting exemptions within the aquatics department.

With each passing day that the JCC remains restricted in our program offerings, we face a financial challenge. Our staff team has focused on safely operating limited essential on-site programming such as childcare and children’s programs, along with partial fitness and aquatics – all within the government mandates.

We ask you, our J “Community” C, to continue supporting us during this restricted time. Consider becoming a new member, reactivate your membership, or contribute a one-time donation. These are all things that make a significant impact on the future sustainability of our community living room. Thank you for ensuring that we all belong here!

COVID-19 Response, Step 2 Announcement – March 3

In response to the provincial government moving to Step 2 under “The Path Forward” plan, the JCC has been preparing to re-open onsite fitness programming. As always, our top priority is ensuring the health and safety of our staff, members, volunteers, and community.

Effective Monday, March 8
Our weight room will be open again for for in-person, pre-booked, low intensity exercises. At this time, we have up to five spots available per hour for bookings.

Weight Room Protocols

• One-hour time slots can be booked online two days in advance for JCC members (login prior to booking your spot). The public can pre-book one day in advance for $10 per spot. No drop-ins are allowed.
• We are limiting bookings to one per day. No back-to-back bookings are permitted.
• Cancellations must be made online at least eight hours prior to the start time of your reserved spot – otherwise, a $5 cancellation fee will be applied to your account. How to cancel a booking.
• Do not come to the JCC if you have a fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, shortness of breath, or are a close contact of a person who tested positive for COVID-19.
• Please arrive five minutes prior to your scheduled time. Come dressed and prepared to workout. Locker rooms are only available to pool users.
• Upon arrival at the JCC you must complete a temperature check, sign-in at the desk near Customer Service, sanitize your hands, and confirm your reservation with the Weight Room Monitor.
• Masks are mandatory at all times anywhere in the JCC, including during your workout.
• Keep your workout to a low intensity:No circuit training, super sets or rotating sets between equipment.
• No High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT).
• No CrossFit, kickboxing, or other high intensity training protocols.
• No cardio (ie. treadmills, rowing, ellipticals).
• Stay three meters apart from all other users, at all times.
• Disinfect equipment before and after use.

We are still offering pre-booked, in-person, one-on-one and one-on-one household personal training sessions and swimming lessons.

The JCC continues to offer a variety of virtual programming: Arts and Culture, Golden Age, and fitness programming including: GroupX, CrossFit, Active Living, and PWR! Moves.

Building Hours Extended
Monday to Thursday: 6am – 8pm
Friday: 6am – 6pm
Saturday and Sunday: 9am – 5pm

We look forward to re-opening the doors again and welcoming you back to the JCC!

COVID-19 Response, Important Update for Our Members – February 3

Effective February 8, we are offering pre-booked, in-person, one-on-one personal training and swimming lessons. We continue to provide virtual programming for those individuals and families with an active JCC membership.

We also have our Keiser or Star Trac Spinner bikes available for rent so that you can Spin at Home with the JCC! Delivery and set-up included in the rental fee. Click here for details.

COVID-19 Response, Important Update for Our Members – December 11

As the Calgary JCC enters into a second shut-down period we want to thank you for your continued support. We know that many of you had only recently started coming back to take part in on-site activities. It is essential to us that the JCC remains a place for our members to nourish your mind, body and soul.

Our Staff
Sadly, as a result of this closure period, we have had to make the difficult decision to temporarily lay off many of our frontline staff. As an organization that prides itself on taking care of our people, we will be doing what we can to support our staff team during this difficult time.

Virtual Programming
Throughout the last few months, our program staff have been working behind the scenes to offer a variety of virtual program opportunities. Despite the doors of the building temporarily closing for all on-site programming – with the exception of our Daycare – we continue to provide daily virtual activities, as listed below, for those individuals and families with active JCC memberships:

• Daily GroupX classes
• Personal Training
• CrossFit
• Active Living
• PWR! Moves
• Golden Age Programs
• Cultural Events – including this Saturday’s HanOOkkah Hoop Party!

Memberships
For those who requested a freeze on their memberships until December 31, 2020, we will be extending holds through to March 1, 2021. If you have an active membership that you would like to freeze, you can do so for $15.75 (individual, student, single parent, senior) or $30.50 (couple, family). Please contact our Client Relationship Manager, Zain Hoosen by email or call 403-537-8597 to make arrangements.

As we begin to see this dark cloud lifted in the coming months, we will once again open our doors and welcome all of you back to your home away from home.

You Belong Here!

COVID-19 Response, Important Update for Our Members – December 9

The Calgary JCC has been closely monitoring all updated COVID-19 restriction information. In line with yesterday’s announcement from the Alberta government to close recreational and fitness facilities, we will be cancelling all on-site programming, except for childcare and the children’s department effective Sunday, December 13.

The safety and well-being of members, users, and staff is our priority. We will continue monitoring the on-going updates from the Province and City of Calgary to determine when it is appropriate to re-open our doors and resume on-site activities. Please note, we will continue to offer all of our current virtual programming.

We understand that you will have many questions – a second communication with further details will be sent out in the coming days.

Thank you for your support and understanding during this difficult time.

COVID-19 Response, Important Update for Our Members – November 25

The Calgary JCC continues to follow all of the necessary protocols and program restriction guidelines as outlined by Alberta Premier Jason Kenney. In addition to the requirement of weight room users wearing masks unless on a piece of cardio equipment or in one of the designated workout boxes in the JFactory Crossfit gym, the following program areas will remain open: childcare and children’s programs, weight room, personal training, lane swim, and family swim.

Effective on Friday, November 27, capacity will be reduced to 6 bookable spots in the weight room and 4 in the CrossFit Box. At the pool, up to two people from the same household can swim in the same lane for lane swimming. Up to four people are allowed for family swim but they must be from the same household.

We will continue to provide you with program and facility information as we receive restriction updates.

COVID-19 Response, Important Update for Our Members – November 12

In an effort to continue reducing the chances of a significant spread of the COVID-19 virus, the Calgary JCC will be following the recent updated protocols and temporary shut-down guidelines announced today by Alberta Premier, Jason Kenney.

Beginning tomorrow, Friday November 13, we will be pausing all on-site group programs, activities, and rentals through to November 27. This includes all GroupX and CrossFit classes, group sport rentals, and Aquafit sessions.

We will continue to operate the following program areas:
• Childcare and children’s programs
• Weight room
• Personal training
• Aquatics, lane, family swim, and private swim lessons.

The JCC will be taking this opportunity to provide virtual GroupX and CrossFit classes for our members. Please stay tuned tomorrow for an email outlining details of the upcoming Zoom classes.

We thank all of you for your continued support as we work together through this challenging time.

Membership Fees Re-Activation – August 11

We are excited to let you know that starting the week of August 17, we are re-opening our pool and offering pre-booked lane and family swim, as well as pre-registered Aquafit classes. As of September 1, we are extending our building hours, adding more Aquafit and GroupX classes, and making additional time slots available in the weight room.

What does this mean for your membership?

Annual Membership – Paid Upfront
Your membership will be re-activated on August 17, 2020 and extended by the amount of time you lost due to our mandatory closure. There is no requirement to contact us, as this will be done automatically. If your membership expired during our closure, we will call you to start your new membership.

Annual Membership – Scheduled Monthly Payments and Month-to-Month Membership
Your membership will be re-activated on August 17, 2020 but your first payment will only be withdrawn on September 1, 2020. Your membership will be extended by the amount of time you lost due to our mandatory closure at your current rate. There is no requirement to contact us, as this will be done automatically. If your membership expired during our closure, we will extend your membership for the time that was remaining.

Membership Hold Option
We understand that some of you may not be ready to come back just yet, so we are offering a one-time option to put your membership on hold until January 1, 2021. A family or couples membership may be put on hold for a $30 fee. A senior, student or individual membership may be put put on hold for a $15 fee. All members within the membership unit (family) will be subject to the freeze. You must call our Customer Service Desk at 403-253-8600, ext.0 by September 30, 2020 if you wish to put your membership on hold.

Please remember that all pool and weight room times, as well as GroupX and Aquafit classes must be booked ahead of time online.

We invite you to check out our orientation video and to read our FAQs to see how we are keeping you safe, so that you can stay fit while enjoying a workout at the JCC.

Welcome back, we look forward to seeing you at the JCC!

Summer Fitness Update – July 23

Take advantage of our JCC Unlimited Summer Fitness Membership and enjoy the following for only $35 for July 20-31 and $60 for August 1-31:

• Bookable one hour weight room time slots, Monday to Sunday.
• Five CrossFit classes per week.
• Two J Sweat (aerobic and high intensity interval training) classes per week.
• Eight GroupX classes per week, from yoga to spin.

We understand that life is busy and it’s hard to commit! We’ve heard you and are offering online fitness bookings for $10 per class. All weight room slot and all fitness classes must be reserved ahead of time up to 48 hours in advance. Sign up for your Summer Fitness Membership by calling the JCC Customer Service Desk at 403-253-8600, ext.0.

We are Open for Summer Fitness! – July 6, 2020

Calgary JCC is jumping up as we welcome everyone back for summer fitness! At this time, we are offering a special Summer Fitness Membership at $60 per month, to access all the fitness offerings. Please call our Customer Service Desk at 403-253-8600, ext.0 to purchase your membership prior to entering the building. This is required to pre-register online for your weight room slot and all fitness classes (which can be booked up to 48 hours in advance).

In our phased re-opening, the safety and wellness of our staff and members is our first priority, so you will notice new procedures upon your return. Please view our orientation video and read more here.

Please note that all regular JCC memberships are still on hold until we are able to re-open our pool and locker rooms. We appreciate your help and understanding as we work through this time together. Welcome back!

Re-Opening Annoucement – June 24, 2020

This is what we’ve all been waiting for… the JCC doors are re-opening on Monday, July 6 at 7am! We are pleased to welcome everyone back for summer fitness, so grab your mat and water bottle – we are ready for you! That said, the safety and wellness of our staff and members is our first priority, so you will notice new procedures upon your return. We appreciate your help and understanding as we work through this time together. For more details click here.

Re-Opening Announcement – June 17, 2020

Jump Up! and mark your calendars for Monday, July 6! We are actively working on a comprehensive plan to offer fitness and wellness programs in a safe and modified form. To welcome you back, we will unveil a special July JCC Fitness Membership. Stay tuned for more details in next week’s newsletter!

We are eager to have you back at the JCC but must do so in a thoughtful and safe manner, being mindful of physical distancing and capacity limitations. Be assured that our re-opening plan will be guided by Alberta Health Services guidelines.

Re-Opening Announcement – June 10, 2020

Early this week, an announcement was made by the Premier of Alberta and Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer of Health that indoor recreation and sports facilities were given the green light to re-open as part of Phase 2 of Alberta’s Relaunch Strategy. Although we are very excited to welcome all of you back, the JCC is not ready to open quite yet. We are communicating regularly with our colleagues at other city facilities to discuss best practices and to coordinate re-opening activities.

We want to thank everyone for your support and patience during this very challenging time. We know the programs and services we run at the Calgary JCC are of value to our members and many of you are ready to come back. Our number one priority is the safety and well-being of everyone in our JCC community. We are re-opening in a phased approach that minimizes the spread of COVID-19 and maintains a healthy and safe environment for all. We are in the process of putting protocols in place to ensure that once our building opens, you feel informed and safe to return.

We will continue to update you as we work towards re-opening the doors of the JCC. In the meantime, read on about our new outdoor opportunities to get you moving, grooving, and connecting!

We Need Your Help – May 11, 2020

Dear JCC Friends,
Our thoughts continue to be with you and the care of your families during this very difficult time.

Here at the JCC, we have worked hard to send you updated information, respond to individual emails and phone calls, and provide diverse virtual programming at no cost to you. We strongly believe that maintaining open lines of communication is essential and have tried to be as transparent as possible.

The closure of the JCC has meant a drastic reduction in revenue, specifically in program and membership fees. As a result, we have had to make very difficult decisions over the past several weeks, including the temporary layoff of the majority of our staff. Throughout the past eight weeks, we have worked diligently to maintain the basic needs of the facility by reducing operating costs, accessing government wage subsidies, and applying for a variety of community grants.

We exist to serve you!
This is the plain truth: we can only exist if you invest in us. On March 16, we were mandated by the City of Calgary to close the doors of the JCC for an indeterminate amount of time. We immediately put memberships on hold and stopped taking any membership or program payments. We made this decision because we felt it was the right thing to do, and in line with our JCC values. We were determined to follow through with this course of action while many facilities and organizations continued taking monthly payments, even while their doors were closed.

We need your help!
As we know that many of you are suffering financially due to this health crisis and the turbulent Calgary economy, we believe that the option we chose, made – and continues to make – the most sense for you and your families. However, for those who are in a more favourable financial position, we urge you to come forward to play a vital part in helping us work together to re-open our JCC. Your monthly membership is crucial in sustaining our wonderful facility and ensuring that we can open the doors again to welcome you back in person.

Any amount is appreciated!
Whether you can commit to a monthly amount or a one-time contribution, it will be designated as a donation and we will issue you a full tax receipt. Please help by showing your commitment to a very special place, one that we know plays an important part in so many people’s lives – from infants and children, to adults and seniors. We can remain strong and succeed only if we stand together as a community! To make your donation, please contact Zain Hoosen, Client Relationship Manager at 403-537-8597 or email today.

Make your donation go further!
Calgary JCC has been selected as a participating charity for Shaw Birdies for Kids (BFK) presented by AltaLink. BFK is a non-profit program run under the Calgary Shaw Charity Classic Foundation. This means that all donations to the JCC are matched up to 50%!

Life in Calgary (and the world) will look and feel very different as we progress through this pandemic. We feel confident that as people emerge from their homes and engage in activities that were important and enjoyable prior to COVID-19, that the Calgary JCC will be in a strong position to welcome our members, friends, and participants… home.

We are in this together!
Now, more than ever, these words are even more meaningful. In closing, we urge you to stay safe, be strong, and please do what you can to support the future of our Centre.

Alberta Relaunch Strategy Response – May 4, 2020

Dear JCC Friends, many of you have heard the recent announcement of the Alberta Government’s Relaunch Strategy. This allows businesses to re-open and have Calgarians get back to work on a staged basis. Each stage will be evaluated, monitored, and adjusted, if needed. Stage 1 of the relaunch includes: daycare, afterschool, and summer camp programs. We know that based on this announcement, you have many questions about what this means for our facility.

Although we are excited to welcome you back to the JCC, we are cautiously optimistic about this announcement. We continue to stay updated on both provincial and municipal information as it becomes available, while at the same time ensuring that we adhere to Alberta Health Services’ strict guidelines. We are communicating regularly with our colleagues at other city facilities to discuss best practices and to coordinate re-opening activities.

Our number one priority is the health and safety of our staff, patrons, and tenants. Our decision on when and how to re-open these program areas will be based on information received from the Minister of Children’s Services (our provincial regulatory body), and Alberta Health Services. Please note, we are also required to follow the lead of the Calgary Emergency Management Agency (CEMA) as a governing body. Although Alberta has launched the province-wide phasing, the re-opening of the JCC will be further guided at a municipal level since our city has the highest COVID rates in Alberta.

We want to ensure that when we do re-open, we follow all guidelines and recommendations. We will continue to provide you with updated information as we receive it.

The JCC appreciates your continual support as we navigate through this next phase. We are all in this together!

Take care and be well,
JCC Care and Maintenance Team

Shabbat Shalom from the JCC – April 3, 2020

As we find ourselves at the end of another week amid the COVID-19 crisis, it is important to focus on what put a smile on your face these past seven days. Whether it was catching up with an old friend on the phone, Facetiming with your grandchildren, or finally getting started on that book that has been collecting dust on your nightstand, it is the small things that are helping us get through this uncertain and difficult time. As we continue moving onward, we are above all, guided by our Jewish value of caring for one another.

Let’s stay connected. We are still here to serve you and continue to keep the virtual doors of the JCC open. Please take the time to visit our website and engage in the variety of programs and activities available. If you have suggestions for additional content, please email us.

Finally, as we continue navigating this ever-changing situation, please know that we are thinking about you and your loved ones. We truly appreciate the small role we get to play in your lives. Take care and be well. We are in this together. Shabbat Shalom.

We are in this together – March 27, 2020

It is hard to believe that it has only been 11 days since we were mandated to close our doors to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. So much has happened in a short period of time, with this pandemic forcing us to make significant changes in our daily lives. We know that for most of you – our staff included – coming to the Centre each day was an integral part of your regular routine and so important for your well-being.

The JCC is a place where we nourish our mind, body, and soul – and make meaningful connections. Despite the doors being physically closed, it is important to know that the virtual living room of the JCC remains open to all. Physical distancing poses a challenge to everyone who uses the JCC to learn, stay healthy, and maintain connections. Our team of dedicated staff is working hard behind the scenes to keep you and your family active and socially connected.

We want you to know that we are thinking of you every day and continue pursuing our mission of being a community that cares about each other. We are currently working on ways to keep you fit and connected via our virtual engagement page on our new website, and encourage you to keep checking it for all up-to-date information.

We understand that everybody is experiencing the financial impact of this crisis in different ways so we especially wanted to say a huge thank you to those members who have reached out to us to continue their monthly payments. If you are able to continue your monthly payments in full, or even in part, we would be extremely grateful. We will be able to issue you a charitable tax receipt for your payments, as they will be treated as a donation. We understand that situations change so should you choose to continue with payments, adjustments can be made at any time.

For more information about these options, please contact our Client Relationship Manager, Zain Hoosen by email or speak with him directly at 403-537-8597.

Though our facility is shut down, and we have temporarily laid off the vast majority of our staff, many of our normal operating expenses remain. As our revenue has virtually been eroded during this period of temporary closure, we are counting on our community to keep the heart of our JCC beating so that we can continue to be there for you in the future.

We look forward to the day our doors will reopen and our JCC family can return to their home away from home. In the meantime, take care of yourself and your loved ones.

Be well. Be kind. Be hopeful.
We are in this together.

Programs and Classes Updates – March 20, 2020

Following the closure of our JCC on March 16 due to the spread of COVID-19, we understand that you have questions regarding your programs and classes fees. Here are the processes that have been put in place:

Registered Spring 2020 Classes and Programs
A credit will be added to your JCC account. There is no requirement to contact us as this will be done automatically.

Daycare, Afterschool, and Preschool Programs (Time for 2s, Kids ‘R’ Us, KidStart Literacy)
You will not be charged for April or any future monthly payments during our closure. There is no requirement to contact us as this will be done automatically.

Seasonal Camps (Spring, Passover and PD Camps)
A credit will be added to your JCC account. There is no requirement to contact us as this will be done automatically.

We understand that not everyone’s situation is the same during these difficult times. As such, should your needs not be met by this process, please contact our Accounting Supervisor, Delfin Cawili by email. We ask that you include your phone number in your email to Delfin. As we are presently operating with a significantly smaller team, we appreciate your patience as we process your requests.

JCC Staff Update
We want to inform you that the Board of Directors has made the difficult decision to temporarily lay off all JCC staff effective on March 31, with the exception of a very small number of facility and accounting staff who will be employed for a few more weeks. Please note that email access will be disabled for laid off staff and that any emails will be read and responded to once our staff have been re-hired.

Membership Updates – March 18, 2020

Following the closure of our JCC on March 16 due to the spread of COVID-19, we would like to inform you of the processes that have been put in place regarding your membership.

Annual Membership Paid Upfront
Calgary JCC will extend your membership from March 16 to our full re-opening date. There is no requirement to contact us, as this will be done automatically.

Annual Membership Scheduled Monthly Payments and Month to Month Memberships
Calgary JCC will freeze your membership until we fully re-open. You will not be charged for April, or any future monthly payments during our closure. There is no requirement to contact us, as this will be done automatically.

Locker Rooms
If you require access to the locker rooms during our closure you can come by on Monday, March 23 or Tuesday, March 24 between 10am to 1pm. We will escort members one at the time to collect their belongings. Please note that you may be asked to wait for your turn in your vehicle while we assist other members. Otherwise, your items will be safely stored where you left them. Your locker rental will be extended from March 16 to our full re-opening date.

We understand that not everyone’s situation is the same during these difficult times. As such, should your needs not be met by this process, please contact our Client Relationship Manager, Zain Hoosen by email. We will respond to your email in the order it is received. As we are operating with a significantly smaller team, please note that it may take up to five business days to respond to your request.

We thank you for your patience and understanding.

Important Updates – March 16, 2020

Calgary JCC has been closely monitoring developments and information about COVID-19. Inline with the City of Calgary mandate to close recreational facilities and to help limit the spread of COVID-19, we will be closing our building and cancelling all classes and programs as of 12:00pm (noon) on Monday, March 16 until further notice.

The safety and well-being of members, users, and staff is our priority. We will continue monitoring the ongoing updates from Alberta Health Services and the City of Calgary to determine when it is appropriate to reopen our doors and resume programming. We understand you will have many questions – we will turn our attention to addressing them and communicating as soon as we have answers.

Thank you for your support and understanding during this unprecedented and difficult time.

Important Updates – March 15, 2020

Please note that in compliance with the measures taken by the Government of Alberta to limit the spread of COVID-19, our Childcare Centre will be closed and all our licensed preschool and afterschool programs will be cancelled effective Monday, March 16 until further notice.

Important Updates – March 13, 2020

We are closely monitoring the ongoing updates from Alberta Health Services, The City of Calgary, and the Calgary Board of Education. At this time, the Calgary JCC will continue to operate on normal hours.

Please note, we have made a few adjustments to our programs. Effective immediately our Active Living and PWR! Moves programs are cancelled until further notice. While our pool remains open, we are following the recommendation of the Lifesaving Society of Alberta to close our sauna, hot tub, and steam room to maintain social distancing practice. We will continue to update you of any further program changes and/or postponements as well as any changes in services or service hours.

We encourage everyone to bring their own refillable water bottle when using the facility. We have shut off the public water fountains, however the refillable fountain located at the bottom of the stairs near the change rooms is still available.

We are asking all patrons and staff to be aware of any possible COVID-19 symptoms. Please remain at home and follow the proper protocol in phoning Health Link 811 for their medical recommendations.

We are committed to meeting your needs, but most importantly your safety and well-being.

What the Calgary JCC is Doing – March 12, 2020

As concern grows about the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), we want you to know that the Calgary JCC is closely monitoring this situation to ensure that our community and our programs are prepared for whatever steps we may need to take.

In an effort to keep our community safe and well informed, we wanted to share this link to the Alberta Health Services (AHS) website that contains current information about COVID-19.

For our part here at the JCC, we have taken the following measures in order to do our best to protect everyone’s health and safety. We have:

• Reviewed our daily cleaning and sanitation protocol for all program areas and have modified and enhanced procedures where necessary and appropriate.
• Increased the frequency of our disinfectant cleaning of frequently touched surfaces such as exercise equipment, door knobs, and door handles.
• A number of hand sanitizer dispensers throughout our facilities and are ensuring that they are always filled.
• Posted proper handwashing information in all washrooms.
• Asked staff with respiratory symptoms to err on the side of caution and stay home.

There are a few steps that we would like to ask you, our valued members and participants, to take to aid us in our efforts to promote and maintain a healthy environment here at the JCC. We ask you to please:

• Refrain from using the JCC if you are not feeling well. In addition, please don’t send your children to the JCC if they are not feeling well.
• Use sani-wipes or our disinfectant-filled bottles to wipe off the gym equipment in the fitness centre and studios.
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water.
• Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing and properly dispose of tissues.

AHS is actively monitoring the situation and leading the response in Alberta. The JCC will take our direction from AHS and will continue to respond according to their recommendations. If you have further questions, please call Health Link at 811.