Farewell to Joan Lee

Message from Dr. Ivan Sierralta, the Chair of Vecova’s Board of Directors

“Vecova says farewell and extends best wishes to Joan Lee, Chief Executive Officer, who is retiring on June 30, 2021.

Joan has been a strong supporter of inclusion and accessibility in our community since she first started at Vecova in 1978.

During her time at Vecova, Joan has contributed in different roles throughout the organization, from managing Vecova’s Leisure Services Department to Senior Director of Operations to interim Executive Director for over a year.

She will be ending her career with Vecova after serving as the Chief Executive Officer since 2010.

We will miss her enthusiasm and commitment to Vecova and our vision of an inclusive society. Her contributions to Vecova will continue to be realized long after she leaves.

On behalf of Vecova, I would like to extend our appreciation for her leadership, and in particular, through the most recent turbulent period of managing Vecova as we responded to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Joan, thank you for all you have done for Vecova.”

– Dr. Ivan Sierralta, Vecova Board Chair[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”4088″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][nd_options_spacer nd_options_height=”30″][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Introducing Vecova’s New Vision and Mission

Today, we are excited to share with you Vecova’s new and necessary change for our future: Our new Vision and Mission.

This marks an incredibly important moment for our organization. Our Vision and Mission is critical to everything that we do. It anchors who we are as an organization and reflects the types of programs, services and enterprises we provide.

Watch the video announcement:[/vc_column_text][vc_video link=”https://youtu.be/Tfj6Xb8CkCY” align=”center”][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_icon icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-medal” color=”custom” size=”lg” align=”center” css_animation=”fadeIn” custom_color=”#4b4f54″][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]

Vision: Inclusion for everyone.

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Mission: Building a future for people of all abilities where everyone is valued, belongs and thrives.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text]Vecova is already living our new Mission and working towards our new Vision. As an organization, we are taking a bold and audacious step forward and putting our mark on the world.

We are proudly stating who we are, as a diverse group of people, all working towards a common and noble goal of inclusion. Together, we can make this a reality.

We are Vecova.[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][nd_options_spacer nd_options_height=”30″][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

CEO Public Notice Announcement

Vecova Centre for Disability Services and Research Board of Directors announced today its CEO, Joan Lee, will be retiring June 30, 2021.

Joan has been a leader in the not-for-profit sector for decades and with Vecova for the past 42 years. She has played an instrumental role in the development and success of Vecova through her vision and inspiring leadership. The Board of Directors thanks Joan for her long and dedicated service that has made Vecova a leader in the not-for-profit and disability sectors and poised for a strong future. We will greatly miss her and sincerely wish her all the best in her retirement.

“It has been my great honour to lead an organization that is deeply committed to serving people of all abilities. Our dedicated employees, volunteers, donors and community partners work tirelessly to uphold Vecova’s mission each and every day, ultimately improving the lives of those we serve. I am privileged and proud to have been part of such an impactful organization that provides ‘top notch’ quality services to our consumers. Vecova has an incredible vision for the future and plans for a new Centre of All Abilities where people will come together in an inclusive and welcoming space where everyone will feel a sense of belonging and community that supports positive life outcomes. I look forward to seeing this become a reality for Vecova.” – Joan Lee.

The Board of Directors has engaged Pekarsky & Co. to lead the search for its next Chief Executive Officer. For more information about this search, please see https://pekarskyco.com/jobs/chief-executive-officer-vecova-wr-557/.

During this transition period, it is Vecova’s priority to continue to advance our strategic vision while maintaining our delivery of high quality services and a stable and impactful organization.

Dr. Ivan Sierralta

Board Chair[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Aquatics, Health and Fitness Facility Renovations

Vecova remains closed until further notice, as per the public health measures in effect by the Government of Alberta. While we haven’t been able to connect with all of you in person, the Vecova team has been hard at work. We’ve used the closures to renovate and update our facility – from our swimming pool to reception area to our multi-purpose rooms. Here are some photos of our Room 3 renovations, which will now be a group training, strength and conditioning room.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_images_carousel images=”3453,3454,3455,3456,3457″ img_size=”400×400″][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]Special thanks to the City of Calgary, Kinsman Club of Calgary and Children’s Hospital Aid Society for supporting these renovations.

We have a number of programs that we’re excited to relaunch at Aquatics, Health and Fitness, like our gentle fitness programs, aquatics programs in our warm pool, our room rentals for your own community activities and more! To learn more, click here.

We can’t wait for all of you to see it in person – safety and hopefully, soon![/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Happy New Year! A message from Joan Lee

As we usher out 2020 and welcome 2021, I have been reflecting on the past year. No doubt, like many of you, I continue to grapple with and try to make sense of the occurrences of what would be charitably described as a challenging year. In some respects, the year has gone by in a blur and in other it has moved painfully slow.

In early 2020, we listened and watched what was occurring around the world and start preparing ourselves for something with the understanding that we had no idea how it was going to affect us personally and professionally. By March we were in full response mode, focused on the health, safety and security of employees, consumers, and those near and dear to us. By August we were adapting to our new operating structures, with new practices and innovations to keep our community engaged and safe. Then in November we were once again forced to react to resurging cases which seriously affected our entire society.

At some times, the challenges may have seemed insurmountable. However, the incredible compassion, support and selflessness from the entire Vecova community helped us overcome all of the obstacles that we faced. Our employees continued to prove their excellence and continued to provide quality services to our consumers and to forge ahead with our plans for Vecova’s future.

Our consumers, including those in our Housing, Aquatics, Health and Fitness, Bottle Depot, Bottle Pick-Up Services and more, supported us in extraordinary ways. Every time we reached out, we were given an unprecedented amount of support. From the donations of hand-sanitizer and PPE, which allowed us to continue to safely provide services to our consumer base, to the monetary contributions which allowed us to pivot and be flexible in our service delivery, I cannot overstate how grateful we are for the community. We could not have done this without the encouragement, patience and donations of the numerous Albertans who decided to make Vecova part of their year. This support will guide us through 2021 as we adapt to the uncharted waters of a world dealing with a pandemic.

As the year draws to a close and the New Year will be upon us, another chapter in Vecova’s history closes and together we will write a new chapter. One that propels us forward, builds on our work of the years past with our sights set on achieving our mission. I look forward to it with much anticipation and I know Vecova will continue to provide our communities with the same innovative and invaluable service that we are so well known for.

Thank you to all of our incredible supporters, volunteers, donors and the entire community.

Take care, stay well and cheers to 2021!

Joan Lee

Chief Executive Officer[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

We’re in this together! COVID-19 Response Update

Dear community,

I want to thank you all for your continued patience during this public health crisis. We know the tremendous impact that has been felt across households, communities and the province. We are committed to continuing to do our part. Our goal at Vecova is to continue to provide innovative, inclusive and impactful programs and services, but we can only do so when the community can participate safely.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]In light of the state of public health emergency being declared and the new restrictions mandated by the Government of Alberta (announced November 24, 2020), along with our own rigorous regulations and responses, we have made the following decisions effective November 27, 2020. This includes:

extending the suspension of:
- all aquatics and studio group fitness classes until January 9, 2021
- all evening and weekend facility rentals until January 9, 2021
- all swim lessons (including private swim lessons) until January 9, 2021
- all Empower Abilities Physical Therapy classes until January 16, 2021
continuing to:
- offer regular registered lane swim and open swim times, but with reduced operating hours and restricted numbers until January 8, 2021
- offer Mental Health Services at our Main Facility, but with reduced operating hours and restricted numbers until January 8, 2021
- provide the Explore Abilities program at our Main Facility, but with reduced operating hours and restricted numbers until January 8, 2021
- provide limited Government of Alberta programs and services at our Main Facility, but with reduced operating hours and restricted numbers until January 8, 2021
extending the reduced operating hours of Vecova’s Main Facility until January 8, 2021.
the Main Facility will be:
- open Monday to Friday from 8:00am-4:00pm until December 18, 2020
- closed Saturday and Sunday until January 9, 2021
- closed from December 21, 2020 to January 4, 2021 to all consumers and employees to conduct annual maintenance and conduct a deep clean
continuing restricted access to the Main Facility to only:
- consumers who are registered for lane swim and open swim
- consumers who have an appointment with our Mental Health Services
- consumers who are registered for the Explore Abilities program
- consumers who are registered for a Government of Alberta program or service
- employees who are providing onsite programs and services
- employees who manage the facility and its operations
continuing to follow all Government of Alberta, Alberta Health Services and Vecova health and safety measures and protocols that have been put in place.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]Vecova will continue to be proactive in managing our response to COVID-19 with guidance from Health Canada and Alberta Health Services. We encourage you to follow all of the recommendations by the Government of Alberta, Alberta Health Services and the Chief Medical Officer of Alberta to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

As the Government of Alberta moves forward with the new restrictions to help slow the spread of COVID-19 in Alberta, we continue to work with all stakeholders to ensure Vecova is doing its part. Actions are being taken to protect the health and well-being of our entire community and all Albertans.

During this public health crisis, we have been touched by the kind and supportive messages we have received from the public. We know you are looking forward to resuming your normal, pre-COVID-19 routines, which Vecova played a major role in for many of you. We know that it is tiring and difficult, but we need to focus on the wellbeing of our employees and our community.

Vecova is a place where people connect, belong and thrive. Whether you use Vecova’s Aquatics, Health and Fitness services, our Bottle Pick-Up Service, have a family member in our Housing Services or participate in one of Vecova’s numerous other programs, you help Vecova reach its vision, where persons with disabilities are valued and integral members of society.

As we continue our efforts to manage our response to COVID-19, we do so with gratitude to all of you who have continued to support us at this difficult time. We are in a time where generosity and assistance of any kind, in any amount, can make a profound impact on each person we serve. Please consider donating to Vecova if you are able to by visiting vecova.ca/donate.

You are all integral parts of this organization and we are thankful for your support.

Take care,

Joan Lee

Chief Executive Officer

PS: For the most up-to-date information regarding COVID-19 please visit:

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Empower Abilities is back!

The phased reopening of our Aquatics, Health and Fitness facilities has been successful thus far, in no small part due to the incredible support and patience of our community. As such, we are now pleased to announce that Empower Abilities is resuming operations on October 24!

Empower Abilities is Vecova’s specialized program for children and youth with mild to moderate motor delays and disabilities. Run by our physical therapist, Empower Abilities assists your child in developing the capacity, skills and confidence for community sport, fitness and recreational activities.

Program Registration

Registration for Empower Abilities opens on October 19, 2020 at 10:00 a.m.

Classes resume on October 24, 2020.

New Empower Abilities Protocols

Protocols for Vecova’s Empower Abilities employees are as follows:

Therapy Aides will work one-on-one with each consumer.
Therapy Aides will wear masks for the duration of the session and change their masks between each consumer.
Therapy Aides will be wearing eye protection –
A 30-minute allotment time has been set aside between each class. This time is spent to disinfect the area and equipment.

Empower Abilities program attendees are required to wear their masks during the information exchange and debrief times of their classes. However, they are not required to wear a mask during their session activities.

Parents and/or guardians of Empower Abilities program attendees may wait in the atrium, where capacity is sufficient for social distancing. Masks are required while in the facility, in accordance with the City of Calgary’s Temporary Face Coverings Bylaw.

We are operating in adherence with Physiotherapy Alberta College and Association’s COVID-19 protocols and Vecova’s own health and safety protocols. For Vecova’s complete Aquatics, Health and Fitness protocols, please click here.

Thank You

We know that many of you are looking forward to resuming your usual wellness routines, and programs like Empower Abilities are important to many families. Thank you all for your support as we worked hard to ensure that all of our services resumed in a mindful and safe way for everyone.

Vecova is unlike any other organization in Alberta. When you use Vecova’s Aquatics, Health and Fitness services – like Empower Abilities – you support persons of all abilities. Vecova is a place where people connect, belong and thrive. It’s where children and youth, like those in our Empower Abilities program, are encouraged to do their best in a safe and inclusive environment.

As we continue our efforts to safely reopen our facilities to the community, we do so with gratitude to all of you who have continued to support us at this time.

During this time, the need for financial assistance is growing and the generosity of our community members is appreciated more than ever. As a non-profit organization, Vecova is able to serve the community because of people like you. If you are able to donate, click here.

We look forward to welcoming back our Empower Abilities community! See you all on October 24.

If you have any questions, please contact us.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][nd_options_spacer nd_options_height=”30″][vc_column_text]Photo source: Freepik[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Community doesn’t stop!

We hope you and your loved ones are safe and healthy. The pandemic has certainly impacted us all, yet we are hopeful that better times are soon ahead.

Our focus for the past several months has been on delivering Vecova’s programs, services and enterprises in as safe a manner as possible. We’ve modified dozens of our programs and services, enacted new protocols and procedures, and adapted and revised structures so we could continue to lead and support our community to connect, belong and thrive while we all fight the pandemic.

We continue to actively monitor the pandemic and take precautions to ensure the safety for all as the situation progresses. We continue to work diligently to ensure you are able to access our programs, services, enterprises and facilities with minimal risk. It is critical during times like these to remember to follow all Alberta Health Services guidelines: physical distancing, wearing a mask and frequent handwashing.

We encourage you to continue to stay up-to-date with us through our website and by following us on social media (links are below) to get the latest news and information on adjustments we have made.

Thank you for your support and understanding over these past several months as we adjusted our hours of operation and staffing levels.

Stay well.

Sincerely,
Joan Lee
CEO[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][nd_options_text nd_options_text_tag=”h3″ nd_options_text_weight=”bold” nd_options_text_family=”nd_options_second_font” nd_options_text=”FOLLOW US:” nd_options_text_color=”#4b4f54″ nd_options_text_font_size=”16″][nd_options_spacer nd_options_height=”10″][vc_raw_html]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[/vc_raw_html][nd_options_spacer nd_options_height=”30″][vc_column_text]Photo source: Freepik[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image source=”featured_image” img_size=”full”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1492008828909{margin-top: 40px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text]June 1, 2020[/vc_column_text][nd_options_spacer nd_options_height=”20″][vc_column_text]Dear Vecova community,[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]We have seen some incredible acts of kindness, service and selflessness at this time that is truly representative of who we are. This incredible outpouring of encouragement from all of you – our consumers, our partners and supporters and our employees – has been a great comfort.[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”4/5″][vc_column_text]As Vecova responded proactively to the COVID-19 emergency, we have also proactively been preparing for our business recovery. We have been readying to begin to gradually resume our programs and services, reopen our facilities to our consumers and to provide re-entry to our employees over the next 3-4 months in a well-planned and thought out staged process. This staged process will be in:[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]

alignment with the City of Calgary and the Government of Alberta’s relaunch strategy
accordance with Alberta Health Services directions in a safe process that includes health guidelines and requirements
accordance with Vecova’s risk management and business continuity systems
alignment with Vecova’s business plans and strategic direction.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/5″ css=”.vc_custom_1592005044619{border-top-width: 1px !important;border-right-width: 1px !important;border-bottom-width: 1px !important;border-left-width: 1px !important;border-left-color: #000000 !important;border-left-style: solid !important;border-right-color: #000000 !important;border-right-style: solid !important;border-top-color: #000000 !important;border-top-style: solid !important;border-bottom-color: #000000 !important;border-bottom-style: solid !important;}”][nd_options_text nd_options_text_tag=”h2″ nd_options_text_weight=”normal” nd_options_text_align=”center” nd_options_text=”For the latest update for Aquatics, Health and Fitness:” nd_options_text_color=”#4b4f54″ nd_options_text_font_size=”18″][vc_column_text]

Reopening September 8

[/vc_column_text][nd_options_spacer nd_options_height=”10″][nd_options_button nd_options_padding=”8px 12px” nd_options_align=”center” nd_options_font_weight=”nd_options_font_weight_normal” nd_options_link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fvecova.ca%2F2020%2F08%2F27%2Faquatics-health-and-fitness-is-reopening%2F|title:CLICK%20HERE|target:%20_blank|” nd_options_bg_color=”#4b4f54″ nd_options_text_color=”#ffffff” nd_options_border_radius=”20″][nd_options_spacer nd_options_height=”20″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”4/5″][vc_column_text]As we begin to gradually resume our programs and services, reopen our facilities to our consumers and to provide re-entry to our employees over the next 3-4 months in a well-planned and thought out staged process –Vecova will put safety first. There will be strict safety guidelines in place for our consumers and our employees. We will ready our programs, services and facilities for our consumers and our employees and install physical distancing measures, set consumer and employee program, service and facility capacity restrictions, set health and screening protocols and set new enhanced cleaning and disinfecting measures.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]While we begin to recover, we must stay vigilant and follow all public health measures, practice physical distancing and good hygiene, and continue acting responsibly. Our collective efforts will ensure Vecova’s relaunch strategy will be successful.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]If at any time, we feel the health and safety of our consumers and employees cannot be successful managed we will act accordingly. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/5″ css=”.vc_custom_1592005044619{border-top-width: 1px !important;border-right-width: 1px !important;border-bottom-width: 1px !important;border-left-width: 1px !important;border-left-color: #000000 !important;border-left-style: solid !important;border-right-color: #000000 !important;border-right-style: solid !important;border-top-color: #000000 !important;border-top-style: solid !important;border-bottom-color: #000000 !important;border-bottom-style: solid !important;}”][nd_options_text nd_options_text_tag=”h2″ nd_options_text_weight=”normal” nd_options_text_align=”center” nd_options_text=”For the latest update for Recycling Services (Bottle Depot and Bottle Pick-Up):” nd_options_text_color=”#4b4f54″ nd_options_text_font_size=”18″][nd_options_spacer nd_options_height=”10″][nd_options_button nd_options_padding=”8px 12px” nd_options_align=”center” nd_options_font_weight=”nd_options_font_weight_normal” nd_options_link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fvecova.ca%2F2020%2F06%2F25%2Fvecova-bottle-depot-and-bottle-pick-up-service-set-to-re-open%2F|title:CLICK%20HERE|target:%20_blank|” nd_options_bg_color=”#4b4f54″ nd_options_text_color=”#ffffff” nd_options_border_radius=”20″][nd_options_spacer nd_options_height=”20″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text]

Vecova’s Relaunch Stages

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Pandemic Response (Prior to June 1)

During the pandemic response, Vecova followed the strongest public health guidelines from Health Canada and Alberta Health Services, the advisories issued from the Government of Canada and the emergency measures enacted by the Government of Alberta and the City of Calgary to manage COVID-19. This resulted in Vecova:[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]

closing and restricting access to its facilities in Calgary and Canmore
suspending a number of its programs and services
introducing service adjustments for a number of its programs and services
implementing a number of measures to help keep its consumers and employees healthy and safe.

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Early actions allowed some of Vecova’s programs and services to remain operational. These included:[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]

Living Support Services remaining in full operation, providing 24/7 support to persons with disabilities and complex needs.
Mental Health Services remaining in full operation providing support online and through telepsychology.
Training continuing to provide specialized health training online or virtually.
Youth Transition and Work Experience Program continuing to meet the program needs for youth through online support.
Airport Contract for Service remaining in operation with modified resources.
Bottle Pick-Up Service remaining in operation with modified resources to pick up and process its commercial account with Alberta Health Services.
Internal operations including Workforce, Communications, Development, Finance, IT and Research and Strategic Services with modified resources.

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Stage 1 – Started May 25th

Stage 1 allowed Vecova to resume some of its programs and services with: service adjustments; physical distancing requirements; health and screening protocols; enhanced cleaning and disinfecting measures; and other public health guidelines in place. This included:

Vecova resuming its Bottle Pick-Up Service – Residential and Commercial within its Recycling Services on May 25^th with reduced service hours and modified resources.

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Stage 2 – (TBD) Anticipated to Start June 22^nd

Stage 2 will allow Vecova to resume some additional programs and services, reopen some of its Recycling Service facilities to our consumers and to provide re-entry to some of our employees with: service adjustments; program, service and facility capacity restrictions; physical distancing requirements; health and screening protocols; enhanced cleaning and disinfecting measures; and other public health guidelines in place. This includes:

June 29 (tentative date): Vecova reopening its Bottle Depot within its Recycling Services to the public with reduced service hours and modified resources.
Vecova reassigning its employees from its Employment Services and Wayfinder Program who have been working with Living Supports Services to resume some of its Employment Services and Wayfinder Programs with reduced service hours and modified resources and services in our consumer homes and in the community.

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Stage 3 – (TBD) Anticipated to Start September 1st – onward

Stage 3 will allow Vecova to resume more of its programs and services, reopen the remainder of its facilities to our consumers and to provide re-entry to our employees in a staged process with: service adjustments; program, service and facility capacity restrictions; physical distancing requirements; health and screening protocols; enhanced cleaning and disinfecting measures; and other public health guidelines in place. This includes:

Vecova reopening its Main Vecova Centre for:
- Onsite programs and services for consumers within our Aquatics, Health and Fitness and Employment Services with capacity restrictions, reduced service hours and modified resources. Please note: not all previous offered programs and services can or will be offered and as such a phased process will occur. Further details will be communicated as this stage of our relaunch strategy is activated.
- Facility rentals with capacity restrictions; physical distancing requirements; health and screening protocols; enhanced cleaning and disinfecting measures; and other public health guidelines in place. Please note: not all previous facility rentals can or will reoccur and as such a phased process will occur. Further details will be communicated as this stage of our relaunch strategy is activated.
- Essential internal operations with capacity restrictions, reduced service hours and modified resources.
Vecova reopening its Satellite Office in Canmore for essential internal operations with capacity restrictions, with reduced service hours and modified resources.
Vecova resuming its Wayfinder Program with reconfigured programs and services for consumers with capacity restrictions, reduced service hours and modified resources.

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Stage 4 – Ongoing

Stage 4 allows Vecova to assess and resume its contracts for service with other organizations/businesses as they begin to resume their operations. These operations will resume in a staged process with: service adjustments; capacity restrictions; physical distancing requirements; health and screening protocols; enhanced cleaning and disinfecting measures; and other public health guidelines in place.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Additional Measures and Considerations

There will be strict safety guidelines in place for our consumers and our employees. We will ready our programs, services and facilities for our consumers and our employees and install physical distancing measures, set consumer and employee program, service and facility capacity restrictions, set health and screening protocols and set new enhanced cleaning and disinfecting measures.
The starting dates for each Stage of Vecova’s Relaunch Strategy may be delayed to ensure Vecova is in:
- alignment with the City of Calgary and the Government of Alberta’s relaunch strategy
- accordance with Alberta Health Services directions in a safe process that includes health guidelines and requirements
- accordance with Vecova’s risk management and business continuity systems
- alignment with Vecova’s business plans and strategic direction.
If at any time, we feel the health and safety of our consumers and employees cannot be successful managed we will act accordingly.

As a result, for the most up-to-date information, please continue to check-in here: https://www.vecova.ca/covid19

All the best,

Joan Lee

Chief Executive Officer

Vecova[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_single_image source=”featured_image” img_size=”full”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1492008828909{margin-top: 40px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text]June 1, 2020[/vc_column_text][nd_options_text nd_options_text_tag=”h3″ nd_options_text_weight=”bold” nd_options_text_family=”nd_options_first_font” nd_options_text=”We are Vecova. Exploring ability and possibility.” nd_options_text_color=”#727475″ nd_options_text_font_size=”20″ nd_options_text_line_height=”20″][nd_options_spacer nd_options_height=”20″][vc_column_text]Today, we would like to reintroduce ourselves to you.

We’re dynamic. We’re confident. We’re progressive.

We’re Calgarians. We’re Albertans.

We’re inclusive. We believe diversity drives innovation. We’re actively transforming our world.

We’ve worked tirelessly for the past half-century to serve persons of all abilities, the greater Calgary community and to create a more sustainable future for all.

We’re proud to create a welcoming space where everyone feels a sense of belonging and community. We’re proud to be located on the traditional territories of First Nations Peoples of Treaty 7 and the Métis Nation of Alberta Region 3.

And, today begins a new phase at Vecova!

We are pleased to announce the launch of Vecova’s new Brand. Our new Brand is how we will identify, live and share our Brand Promise to you. It defines who we are, why we do what we do and our unique value and importance to the communities we serve. It’s our social contract between Vecova and you – our consumers, our employees and the community.

We are Vecova. Exploring ability and possibility. And, we are just getting started!

Joan Lee
Chief Executive Officer
Vecova[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1467643035435{margin-top: 40px !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Farewell to Joan Lee

Introducing Vecova’s New Vision and Mission

CEO Public Notice Announcement

Aquatics, Health and Fitness Facility Renovations

Happy New Year! A message from Joan Lee

We’re in this together! COVID-19 Response Update

Empower Abilities is back!

Program Registration

New Empower Abilities Protocols

Thank You

Community doesn’t stop!

Vecova’s Relaunch Stages

Pandemic Response (Prior to June 1)

Stage 1 – Started May 25th

Stage 2 – (TBD) Anticipated to Start June 22nd

Stage 3 – (TBD) Anticipated to Start September 1st – onward

Stage 4 – Ongoing

Additional Measures and Considerations

Stage 2 – (TBD) Anticipated to Start June 22^nd