In early November, Abbotsford and the rest of the Fraser East health area quietly had its building capacity restrictions lifted.
The removal of restrictions means that any event at large indoor venues such as the Abbotsford Centre or Chilliwack Coliseum are allowed to operate at 100 per cent capacity.
The restrictions were originally announced on Sept. 28 and were imposed to stop COVID-19 cases rising and ease the strain on hospitals in the area.
As a result, events such as the Abbotsford Canucks home opener and the Chilliwack Chiefs home opener were forced to play to a maximum of 50 per cent attendance.
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However, The News recently learned that the restrictions were lifted for the Abbotsford Centre on Nov. 4. The B.C. provincial government did not appear to publicize any information related to the lifting of restrictions.
Abbotsford Centre general manager Rick Comeau said that his building received approval to go to full capacity in advance of the Jeff Dunham comedy show on Nov. 4.
Tickets originally went on sale in 2019.
“Thankfully we got the okay to proceed with the event on Nov. 4 and people who had hung on to their tickets for two years were finally able to see the show.
“I was communicating directly with Fraser Health and they gave me the approval,” he said.
The Abbotsford Canucks first game with the potential of 100 per cent capacity occurred on Nov. 12. They have now hosted six games at the AC with no restrictions.
