West Kelowna gym reopens after defying public health orders
A West Kelowna gym that was fined thousands of dollars and ordered to close for defying pandemic health orders has reopened. Iron Energy Gym co-owner Brian Mark announced on social media that it held a grand opening April 8. COVID-19 vaccine passports were lifted that same day for...
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A West Kelowna gym that was fined thousands of dollars and ordered to close for defying pandemic health orders has reopened.
Iron Energy Gym co-owner Brian Mark announced on social media that it held a grand opening April 8. COVID-19 vaccine passports were lifted that same day for events, services and businesses.
“After a long eight weeks we finally opened up our doors and we are open for business,” Mack said in an Instagram story.
READ MORE: Interior Health keeping close eye on West Kelowna gym shut down by court injunction
They also decorated their gym wall with the slogan #FreeBC, a hashtag that has been used by COVID-19 mandate protestors across the province.
While the provincial health order has been lifted, individual businesses and event organizers may continue to require proof of vaccination for entry to their premises, Dr. Bonnie Henry, provincial health officer, said earlier this week.
Interior Health confirmed last month that the closure order for Iron Energy would be lifted once the province repeals its vaccine card policy.
"In a case where there is a court order to abide by a Public Health Act order and the order is lifted, the court order will become null and void," according to an emailed statement from the health authority.
The Feb. 18 order from the B.C. Supreme Court allows Interior Health to keep Iron Energy from opening for six months or as long as its closure order is in effect, whichever comes first. The injunction reinforces Interior Health's efforts to close the gym.
Interior Health delivered nearly two dozen fines to the gym, then posted a closure order on its front door on Feb. 3 in response to the gym's defiance.
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