Vancouver Canucks capacity limits at Rogers Arena under review, says Henry

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – The Vancouver Canucks are the only Canadian NHL team that still won’t have a full arena for their home games — at least for now.

Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry has capped capacity at 50 per cent but says that could change by the time the Canucks take to the ice at Rogers Arena later this month.

“Our intent was always when the full vaccine card came into effect that we would be able to go to 100 per cent capacity and take away some of the other restrictions that we have in some events, like around dancing and remaining seated. So those are things we are looking at,” she said Tuesday.

Henry admits there are a number of issues that have to be taken into account before measures are eased, as daily case counts remain high and the Delta variant continues to spread.

“Looking at the epidemiology in different parts of the province, and where this might not be in effect, and seeing the situation in the north comes to mind,” she explained, adding she hopes to have a decision by the end of the week.

“I know that people need to have some time to plan, but we are actively looking at that right now.”

B.C. is currently in the third phase of its reopening plan. The province had anticipated moving forward to the fourth step in September, however, rising COVID-19 infection numbers and the highly transmissible Delta variant forced B.C. to hit pause on that move, and certain measures were also brought back in.

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Under Step 3, indoor organized gatherings are capped at 50 people or 50 per cent capacity — whichever is greater. Outdoor organized gatherings are limited to 5,000 people or 50 per cent capacity — again, whichever is greater.

The same rules apply for indoor and outdoor sporting events.

Meanwhile, proof of vaccination is required to access many services, businesses, and events. The Vancouver Canucks have also announced that staff will be required to be vaccinated.

The Canucks’ home opener is Tuesday, Oct. 26 against the Minnesota Wild. The team’s season begins on Wednesday in Edmonton against the Oilers.

-With files from Claire Fenton

Editor’s note: This article has been updated to clarify the Canucks will be welcoming fans back to Rogers Arena on Oct. 26.