Trying to find their way forward

BARRHEAD-Under Alberta's COVID-19 relaunch strategy museums and art galleries can resume operations as long as they adhere to certain guidelines, such as ensuring guests adhere to physical distancing.

However, the Barrhead Centennial Museum is not sure if they will be able to take advantage of the opening.

Anna Churchill, museum society treasurer, said they haven't come to any definitive decision, but added when they do it will not be a straight forward decision.

"We are pretty sure we will be closed for June," she said. "Our museum is arranged so it's too touchy and it would be difficult to clean."

According to the province's COVID-19 guidance sheet for museums and art galleries, it lists 11 measures facilities should take to ensure physical separation or distancing including posting internal and external signage indicating physical distancing and hygiene protocols, providing hand sanitizer at entrances and exits, establishing one-way flow patterns whenever possible, setting capacity limits to allow 10 square metres per patron, installation of acrylic barriers as well as appropriate staffing to ensure capacity limits and other protocols are met.

The guidance sheet also states that all high touch displays must remain closed, washrooms must have frequent cleaning regimes and a response plan should a staff member or patron contract COVID-19.

"It is going to be up to the board because they know, as a not-for-profit organization without a lot of resources, that they will have to do most of the work," she said.

The museum also doubles Barrhead's Tourism Information Centre and as of yet Alberta Tourism has not given them any indication if they are expected to fulfil that role this summer.

That being said she suspects there will be little need for the service as she believes people will be sticking close to home this summer.

"I know GROWTH Alberta is working on a project to attract tourists to the region," she said.

Travel Alberta has also launched its "Worth the Wait" campaign designed to inspire residents who normally would travel outside the province to think about making vacation plans closer to home.

Churchill noted that they want to talk with other museums in the area to see what they are doing. In Westlock, the Tractor Museum opened May 18.

"They are in a much better position. The tractors are roped off and all people have to do is follow a path," she said. 

A better comparison, Churchill said, is the Onoway Museum (which opened May 19) is in an old school and has very few of its artifacts roped off or under glass. 

Barrhead Art Club

President Carla Fry said the art club opened its doors in close to two months on May 22 resuming normal operation. The Barrhead Art Club is open Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

She said she is not sure how long they will be able to do that.

"The problem is that we have so many seniors or live with people who are compromised we are finding it difficult to find volunteers so we can stay open," Fry said.

She added just before the COVID-19 lockdown the club had made arrangements with the Barrhead Composite High School's art department to be featured for April. 

Of course with schools being forced to close its doors, that did not happen. The club also had arrangements for the Blue Heron Support Services Association's art group to be featured but due to the pandemic Fry believes it unlikely.

In August, the art club was also planning to have a feature "Guys in the Gallery" showcasing artworks from male artists in the community.

However, she said they are not sure if they are going to be able to go ahead with their plan.

"Everything just came to a stop when COVID came and we are only now trying to come up a with a plan to see how we can go forward," Fry said.

Barry Kerton, TownandCountryToday.com

COVID-19 UPDATE: Follow our COVID-19 special section for the latest local and national news on the coronavirus pandemic, as well as resources, FAQs and more.