Penticton Speedway calling on B.C.'s top doc to refine health order limiting them to 50 patrons

Photo: Mike Biden

The Penticton Speedway during simpler times pre-COVID. Track owner Johnny Aantjes is pleading directly with Dr. Bonnie Henry to allow more than 50 people at large venues like his.

The Penticton Speedway is pleading directly with B.C.'s top doctor to let them operate at a higher capacity than 50 people, saying their setup allows for social distancing and they should not be subject to the same restrictions as much smaller venues. 

Track owner Johnny Aantjes said he had been working closely with a representative from Interior Health to get the setup just right ahead of their first race of the season last week — physical distancing section in the stands, sanitizer stations throughout the venue, extra cleaning, masked and gloved staff members, and more. Aantjes was under the impression their work ticked all the boxes required by the province.

They had a successful race day on July 4, keeping the crowd to 1,500 people compared to an average race day in a normal year that might see 5,000.

"The response was great, we maybe had one or two slightly negative comments but it was about things we could have done better, and we will," Aanjtes said. 

Then unfortunately, they were told that they actually had to adhere to just 50 people in the entire venue as per a blanket provincial health order, and to reach out to the government directly for further help. 

"We've been playing by the rules, three and a half months with no events. Now that parks are open, beaches are opening ... we are a small business, we should be able to open," Aantjes said.

"We have a 22 acre facility that's outdoors, we can physical distance, we can be safe within the terms that the province is mandating. If somebody at Interior Health has to do some math and decide on square footage, they need to do it. We have a limited amount of time to make some money and survive."

They are asking for six weekends to race, and have already cancelled several of the big events like Monster Trucks and bull riding that typically draw bigger audiences.

"We'll cut the crowds down to half, or down to a third," Aantjes said. 

He decided to write a letter directly to Dr. Bonnie Henry's office explaining the unique situation, and asking that the Speedway with its large outdoor space be treated more like a golf course or beaches and parks, with the understanding social distancing would be enforced. 

"Big box stores and shopping centres can have more than 50 people in their locations at one time based on large square footage, we have that square footage too, and we are outdoors!" Aantjes used as another example in his letter.

"We have operated this business for 20 plus years and can’t imagine losing it from lack of revenue due to COVID. We are willing to work with all of the guidelines you suggest."

The letter was sent July 10 and so far, Aantjes has not received a response. He hopes to hear back this week in time to race on Saturday. 

"It's very frustrating," Aantjes said. "Dr. Bonnie Henry, please address this, because this is wrong by comparison."