Minor Sports groups and participants are reminded that the Bayshore Community Centre and Julie McArthur Regional Recreation Centre are Nut-Aware Facilities. This means that products that contain nuts or traces of nuts are not to be brought into the facilities.
Parents/guardians with children participating in minor sports in these facilities should fill out an individualized plan and ensure that the plan has been submitted to the registrar of the minor sports group.
Please read the City's Anaphylaxis Policy for more information.
Anaphylaxis Policy Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is anaphylaxis?
Anaphylaxis is a severe systemic allergic reaction which can be fatal, resulting in circulatory collapse or shock.
Q: What is an anaphylactic reaction?
Signs and symptoms of Anaphylaxis can occur within minutes of exposure to an allergen. In rarer cases, the time frame can vary up to several hours after exposure. The ways symptoms appear can vary from person to person and from episode to episode in the same person. They can lead to loss of consciousness and death. Immediate treatment is required with epinephrine (usually with an auto-injector like an EpiPen) followed by a visit to the hospital emergency room.
Q: What are the symptoms of anaphylaxis?
Reactions generally include two or more of the following:
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Skin - hives, swelling (face, lips, tongue), itching, warmth, redness;
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Respiratory (breathing) - coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest pain or tightness, throat tightness, hoarse voice, nasal congestion or hay fever-like symptoms (runny, itchy nose and watery eyes, sneezing), trouble swallowing;
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Gastrointestinal (stomach) - nausea, pain or cramps, vomiting, diarrhea;
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Cardiovascular (heart) - paler than normal or blue skin colour, weak pulse, passing out, dizziness or light-headedness, shock;
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Other - anxiety, sense of doom (the feeling that something bad is about to happen), headache, uterine cramps, metallic taste;
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Additionally, low blood pressure alone, in the absence of other symptoms, can also represent anaphylaxis.
Q: What is an Epi-Pen?
An EpiPen is the brand name of an auto-injector to deliver epinephrine - the only proven emergency treatment for anaphylaxis. People with severe allergies should carry an auto-injector with them at all times. It is also recommended to wear a Medic Alert bracelet.
Q: What is epinephrine?
Epinephrine is the synthetic form of the hormone adrenaline that is used as the treatment or drug of choice to treat anaphylaxis and life-threatening asthma attacks. This treatment is live-saving.
Q: Why did the City of Owen Sound implement the Anaphylaxis Policy?
The City of Owen Sound received letters from residents who live with anaphylaxis requesting that the City accommodate their children at the Julie McArthur Regional Recreation Centre and the Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre.
After proper due diligence, it was clear that under the Ontarians with Disabilities Act (ODA), Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and the Ontario Human Rights Code, the City of Owen Sound has a duty to accommodate people who are anaphylactic.
The City of Owen Sound is committed to offering people of all ages in our community the opportunity to pursue a healthy, balanced lifestyle. This commitment extends to residents, visitors and employees with visible or non-visible disabilities. The City affirms its commitment to meet the requirements of the ODA, AODA and the Ontario Human Rights Code.
Q: Where does the policy apply?
The policy applies to the Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre and the Julie McArthur Regional Recreation Centre.
It does not apply to the Christie and Hare Rooms or the Bay and Sound Rooms at the Bayshore where these rooms are being used for a private function.
Q: Where can I find a copy of the policy?
The Anaphylaxis Policy CS83 can be found on the City's website at the following location: Anaphylaxis Policy.
Q: What nuts and nut products are NOT allowed in the recreation facilities?
Peanuts and tree nuts, which includes almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews, hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, pecans, pine nuts, pistachio nuts, and walnuts are NOT allowed in the recreation facilities.
Q: Is coconut a nut?
No coconut is not a nut, neither is nutmeg. These are not triggers for a person with a nut allergy.
Q: What does "nut-aware facility" really mean?
A nut-aware facility means that there is a policy (CS83) and by-law (2017-040) for all people who use the City's recreation facilities to follow (except private functions in the banquet halls at the Bayshore). This also applies to third-party food services vendors including the Owen Sound Attack and Sisters Cafe. This policy applies to programs administered by both the City and third-parties, including the YMCA of Owen Sound Grey Bruce.
This policy applies to everyone who uses the recreation facilities, including minor sports groups, spectators, parents/guardians, children, City staff, etc.
This policy requires that nuts and products which have nuts listed as an ingredient will not be sold by any vendors at the recreation facilities. The City is working with Public Health to ensure all vendors are aware of this policy and that all staff know the importance of thorough cleaning of all change rooms and public spaces where cross contamination may occur. This policy also requires education for the public on the importance of refraining from bringing nuts or nut products into the recreation facilities.
Despite best efforts, the City and third-parties cannot guarantee a 100% nut-free environment as they cannot guarantee that food products that are sold within the facilities have not come into contact with nuts or that every member of the community respects this policy. Always carry your EpiPen and be prepared!
Q: What I can do to help support this policy?
Become aware of the signs and symptoms of an anaphylactic reaction and respect your fellow patrons who may be at risk of severe reactions. Avoid cross contamination in the facilities by consuming nuts and nut products at home, and following proper hand hygiene - washing hands well with soapy water after eating. Always read labels carefully before bringing food into the facility.
Peanuts may be listed on the label as: Arachide, Arachis Oil, Beer Nuts, Cacahouette, Goober Nuts, Goober Peas, Kernels, Mandelonas, Nut Meats, or Valencias.
Other nuts listed as: Almonds, Beechnuts, Brazil Nuts, Butternuts, Cashews, Chestnuts, Filberts, Hazelnuts, Hickory Nuts, Macadamias, Mixed Nuts, Nut Butter, Cold Pressed Nut Oil, Pecans, Pine Nuts, Pistachios, Pralines, or Walnuts.
Q: Does the policy apply to private events (i.e. weddings, Christmas parties, etc.) in the banquet halls at the Bayshore?
No, this policy does not apply to private events and short-term functions for which the party renting a banquet hall at the Bayshore has their function catered and takes full responsibility for accommodating their guests.
All third-parties will be provided with a copy of the City's Policy CS83 and a request that they comply. If a third-party decides that they wish to continue to provide nuts and nut products, the City does not assume responsibility as the City does not have legal jurisdiction to enforce compliance.
Q: Does the policy apply to public, special events at the Bayshore and Julie McArthur Regional Recreation Centre?
Yes, the policy does apply to these events; however, if the organizer of a special event wishes to include nuts or nut products in their event, there is an exemption process available.
Q: If I am a parent of a child who has Anaphylaxis and uses the Bayshore or the Julie McArthur Regional Recreation Centre, what are the first steps I should take?
The first step is to fill out an individualized plan that will allow the facility and minor sports organization to properly identify your child. As a responsible parent, your next step should be to ensure that all stakeholders who are closely associated with your child's team and/or activity is aware of the proper steps to be taken should anaphylaxis occur. If your child has been prescribed an EpiPen, it is your responsibility to ensure that your child carries it with him or her at all times.
Q: What is entailed in the Individualized Plan? What is its purpose?
Contact information, picture identification and emergency phone numbers are just a few of the items included in the individualized plan. Its purpose is to take the guess work out of what may be wrong with your child should an anaphylactic attack occur and allow those most closely associated with your child to act quickly and responsibly.
Q: Are the staff at the Bayshore and the Julie McArthur Regional Recreation Centre trained in First Aid/CPR?
Yes, City staff working in these facilities are trained in First Aid/CPR, which includes the recognition of signs and symptoms of an anaphylactic reaction, and can assist someone in an emergency situation.
Q: Is there an information pamphlet that will provide additional information?
Information pamphlets are available at the facilities.
Q: What about Sisters Cafe, vending machines, and the concessions at the Bayshore? Will available food options change because of this policy?
Yes, all third-party food services vendors must comply with Anaphylaxis Policy CS83; however; the City of Owen Sound and third-parties cannot guarantee a 100% nut-free environment.
Q: The YMCA operates at the Julie McArthur Regional Recreation Centre. Do they have a nut-aware policy?
Please visit the YMCA Owen Sound service counter for more information regarding their policies.