News on the Situation Regarding COVID-19
AUGUST 19, 2021
Sportex Reopening in September
Dear Sportex Members,
Since the beginning of the pandemic, the safety and well-being of our students, staff and community members have always been at the forefront of our considerations and decisions. Conscious of the risk of a fourth wave of COVID-19, Sportex will continue to act in full compliance with Manitoba Public Health and government guidelines, however, it is time to prepare for the fitness centre’s reopening in order to welcome its members back to the facility as soon as possible.
Sportex will reopen its doors on Tuesday, September 7, 2021, at 6 a.m. All memberships will also be reactivated at this time.
Sportex remains committed to ensuring the implementation of all protocols necessary to reopen safely. These protocols include the wearing of masks in common areas (e.g. when moving between equipment or walking to the change rooms), regular disinfection procedures using products that have a drug identification number (DIN), a time-slot booking system, and careful attention to properly spacing equipment for distancing and presenting proof of full COVID-19 vaccination (two doses).
We invite you to consult the orders issued under Manitoba's Public Health Act, particularly those which deal with indoor sporting and recreational facilities. While our protocol may go beyond that which is required by the province, this is to help ensure the health and safety of Sportex members and staff, including those who are immunocompromised. We thank you for your understanding on this matter.
Here's what to expect when Sportex reopens:
- designated and separate entrance and exit
- self-screening protocol posted at the entrance
- proof of full vaccination (two doses)
- door and floor signage/markings
- reduced hours of operation
- constant circulation of the Sportex team to disinfect facility areas
- use of the West gymnasium as additional space
- change rooms and showers will be open, but towel service will NOT be available
- reduced washroom capacity
- masks must be worn in common areas (change rooms, washrooms) and when moving between equipment
- renovated facility
- a new team of instructors
- friendly service with a smile!
For now, you will be required to book a time slot in order to visit Sportex. To do so, your Mindbody account must be activated (see the instructions on how to activate your Mindbody account). Should you require any assistance, do not hesitate to contact the Sportex team by phone at 204-235-4407 or by e-mail at sportex@ustboniface.ca.
Visit our website regularly for the latest news and follow us on Facebook!
We look forward to seeing you soon. Take care and enjoy the rest of your summer!
MAY 6, 2021
Message to our members
Dear Valued Member,
Sportex has taken the past year to make some positive changes that we are excited to unveil. Taking into account the recent orders issued by the Government of Manitoba, effective April 28, 2021, Sportex continues to work diligently to reopen with all proper safety measures in place. Sportex is deeply committed to ensuring that every protocol is followed so that our facility may resume its operations safely. Know that our health and safety plan is very thorough and detailed, and when implemented will mitigate any potential risks in our building.
We will update all members via email and through our social media channels in regard to our reopening date. Be sure to visit our website regularly for the latest news.
We encourage everyone to stay active, healthy, and safe. We are proud to be part of the health and wellness industry in Winnipeg and are incredibly grateful to our members who have been so patiently waiting for us to reopen our doors. Your loyalty and understanding through these difficult times mean the world to us. We are certainly looking forward to seeing familiar faces soon, as well as greeting new members.
Team Sportex
NOVEMBER 24, 2020
Message to members
Dear Sportex Members,
You will likely recall that the Sportex fitness centre suspended in-person services as of March 13, 2020. The Sportex’s reopening date remains unknown. We thank you for your patience and continued loyalty. Since the beginning of the pandemic, the health and safety of students, staff and visitors to our campus has remained the top priority of Sportex and of Université de Saint-Boniface (USB) as a whole.
Since the province moved to the Code Red level of its Pandemic Response System on November 12, USB has limited the presence of individuals on campus to an absolute minimum. Unfortunately, there is no way to predict how long these restrictions will remain in effect.
Reopening Sportex – A Thank-You Gift!
As indicated in our update on March 25, 2020, membership adjustments for members affected by the closure have been implemented in three different ways based on membership type.
When we are eventually able to reopen the fitness centre, we wholeheartedly intend to thank our members for their patience and cooperation, and for having kept their membership active since the beginning of the pandemic. Your loyalty is greatly appreciated and we at Sportex would like to acknowledge this!
For now, you do not need to take any action. When Sportex reopens, each member’s membership will be reactivated and the remaining balance at the time of the closure will be honoured. Additionally, to celebrate its valued members returning “home”, Sportex will extend existing memberships, at no charge, by 15%, up to a maximum of 55 days (or approximately 8 weeks). For example, if 140 days remained on your membership at the time of the closure, we would add an extra 21 days (3 weeks) at no charge.
Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at sportex@ustboniface.ca we would be happy to hear from you!
The Time Will Come!
While waiting for a return to the new normal, we encourage you to provide us with your most recent contact information if there have been any changes so the Sportex Team can easily reach out to you. We invite you to contact Sportex should you need to update your information. We look forward to your return to Sportex! Our Team thanks you for your loyalty and support during this uncertain time. We thank you for your loyalty and your continued support during this period of instability and we look forward to seeing you again at the centre.
Let’s keep working together to protect the health of our community!
Best regards,
The Sportex Team
JUNE 22, 2020
Message to members
Dear Sportex Members,
Plan – Return to Campus
As public health restrictions put in place due to COVID-19 begin to ease, Université de Saint-Boniface (USB) is stepping up its efforts to develop a plan for a progressive and safe return to campus. On-campus activities remain limited to minimize the risk of transmission of COVID-19 within our community. Sportex will remain closed for the time being. You will be notified as soon as the fitness centre is able to welcome back its members safely.
Risk Spectrum at Sportex
Given its unique footprint, size and highly personalized service model, Sportex will only reopen when it is possible to offer quality services to all its members while respecting existing distance standards, even if the Province proceeds with a gradual reopening of businesses and services such as fitness centres. Sportex’s priority is and will continue to be the provision of a friendly, healthy and safe space for students, USB staff and community members.
Fitness centres are at the top of the risk spectrum and are among the most difficult facilities to reopen while COVID-19 remains a threat. Given that members would be in an enclosed interior space with high-touch surfaces while exercising, which causes heavier breathing and an increase in secretions, the risk assessment threshold for the reopening of the fitness centre is high. We are committed to maintaining high standards of quality for our facilities and services. Taking into account these factors, we have determined that a reopening of Sportex cannot take place at this time.
Reminder: Membership Adjustment
You can find out more about Sportex’s approach to membership fees by going to the update on this page dated March 25, 2020.
The entire Sportex team is looking forward to your return to the centre! We thank you for your patience and continued support during this upsetting time.
Stay tuned for news from Sportex!
Visit our webpage: https://ustboniface.ca/sportexgym/en/home.
Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sportexgym/
Cordially,
Sportex team
MARCH 25, 2020
Your Gym Membership
Dear Members,
As you know, Sportex has suspended public access as of March 13, 2020. The date of the reopening remains undetermined. Thank you for your patience and continued loyalty to Sportex. The health and safety of our students, faculty and staff, as well as visitors to our campus, remain our top priority.
This message serves as a follow up to the e-mail sent by the Assistant Director of Sportex to members on Friday, March 20 at 4:06 p.m. Having made an in-depth study of the closure’s consequences, the Sportex team has found a fair, practical and easy solution for members. This solution is presented below.
Membership adjustment
Membership adjustment for members affected by the closure will be implemented in the following ways:
- Membership contract paid by payroll deductions (for Université de Saint-Boniface staff only)
Payroll deductions have been cancelled for staff members as of March 21, 2020. As a result, there will be no amount taken from the payroll on April 3, 2020. Automatic deductions will be re-initiated on the payroll following the reopening of Sportex. No action is required from the member.
- Membership contract paid in full (all categories - duration of 1, 4, 6, 8 or 12 months)
Membership contracts paid in full will be suspended as of March 13, 2020. As soon as the Sportex reopens, the membership will be extended free of charge for the same duration as that of the closure. The date for renewing the membership will therefore be automatically moved to a later date. No action is required from the member.
- Membership contract paid monthly by credit card or bank transfer (all categories - duration of 1, 4, 6, 8 or 12 months)
Membership contracts paid monthly by credit card or bank transfer will be terminated retroactively as of March 13, 2020 (the closing date of Sportex). Payments will be cancelled, at the latest, on March 27, 2020. This dynamic will result in an extension to the membership contract. The credit may vary between periods of 1 day up to a maximum of 44 days, depending on the date of the last payment. Memberships will vary from case to case and be dealt with accordingly. The credit will be granted at the time of the membership renewal. No action is required from the member.
After reading, should you have any questions, please email the Sportex team at sportex@ustboniface.ca. We commit to respond promptly.
Let us continue to work together to protect the health of our community.
For university news in regards to COVID-19, see: ustboniface.ca/covid-19.
Cordially,
Sportex team
MARCH 13, 2020
Temporary Gym Closure
As a precautionary measure, Université de Saint-Boniface has decided to suspend all activities at its sports and recreation facility. As of 5 p.m. on Friday, March 13, 2020, Sportex is temporarily closed until further notice. Moreover, all East and West gymnasium reservations are cancelled until May 31, 2020.
While the Public Health Agency of Canada identifies the risk to Canadians as low, the university administration is taking proactive measures to mitigate health and security risks to all those who frequent the establishment.
We understand how integral our fitness and recreation spaces are to the physical health and well-being of our community, and we thank you for your patience and understanding during these uncertain times. Our goal remains to resume operations of our fitness facilities at a time deemed safe for all members and in line with the Public Health Agency of Canada’s and Manitoba Public Health’s recommendations.
For all USB updates related to COVID-19, visit ustboniface.ca/covid-19 or our Facebook page at facebook.com/sportexgym.