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The patio at Medicine Hat Brewing Company can welcome customers back on June 1
'Light at the end of the tunnel'

Reopening plan a sense of relief for local businesses

May 26, 2021 | 4:26 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Julie Tracey’s eyes were glued to her phone.

When it was finally announced she can reopen her salon on June 1, she was ecstatic.

“I jumped straight into my car and came down to the shop so I could start cleaning,” Tracey said. “For me, there’s light at the end of the tunnel.”

Tracey and stylists at Bratt Pak closed their doors on May 9 not knowing when they could have clients again.

But after today’s announcement about the province’s Open For Summer plan, Tracey thinks people are going to feel a lot more hopeful.

“We’ve been holding our breath for 15 months not knowing what was coming next and the plan that was proposed today seems realistic, it’s optimistic, there’s clear guidelines,” Tracey said.

Tracey isn’t the only one optimistic about the future. A sense of relief is felt across the city.

After adjusting from dine-in to serving takeout, Brennan Vancuren at Medicine Hat Brewing Company says he is looking forward to opening up the patio.

“Finally be open again, hopefully it’s the last time,” Vancuren said. “This one feels a little different, maybe it will be the last time we have to do this.”

Vancuren says he spent the last few weeks in anticipation of this moment when Brew Co. can finally welcome people back.

The business has been preparing the patio and staff for the busy days to come.

As for this reopening plan, Vancuren says there seems to be more of a plan in place.

“We’re really happy to be open and looking forward to seeing everyone’s faces back in here again,” Vancuren said.

Both businesses are looking forward to being completely open without any restrictions.