Memorandum from Ontario’s MHSTCI
A message from the Sport, Recreation and Community Programs Division of the Ontario Ministry of Heritage, Sport, Tourism, and Culture Industries.
SUBJECT: Re-opening Indoor Sport Facilities
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I am writing to inform you that the Ontario government has made a new Emergency Order amendment to O. Reg 263/20, made under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act, to allow facilities for indoor sports and recreational fitness activities, that are in Stage 2 and that comply with certain conditions, to open for the purpose of being used by a business or organization to train amateur or professional athletes or to run amateur or professional athletic competitions.
Facilities for indoor sports and recreational fitness activities must comply with the following conditions to protect the health and safety of the public and prevent the spread of COVID-19:
- The only persons permitted to use the facility are (i) persons who perform work for the business or organization, and (ii) members or clients of the business or organization.
- Any person who enters or uses the facility must maintain a physical distance of at least two metres from any other person who is using the facility.
- Team sports must not be practised or played within the facility, with the exception of training sessions for members of a sports team that do not include games or scrimmage games.
- Activities that are likely to result in individuals coming within two metres of each other must not be practised or played within the facility.
- No spectators may be permitted at the facility, other than up to one accompanying parent, guardian or other adult for each athlete under the age of 18.
- Subject to an exception related to pools contained in subsection 19 (2) of O. Reg 263/20 made under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act, any locker rooms, change rooms, showers and clubhouses in the facility must be closed, except to the extent they provide access to equipment storage, a washroom or a portion of the facility that is used to provide first aid.
- Any equipment that is rented or provided to users of the facility must be cleaned and disinfected between each use.
The province thanks you for your leadership on this important matter. Together, we are helping amateur and professional athletes by increasing their access to certain facilities for the purpose of training. We’re also supporting businesses so that they can safely operate in the sport sector, while contributing to the economic recovery of Ontario.
As Ontario gradually reopens, it is more important than ever to follow public health advice. We appreciate your cooperation as we move forward during these unprecedented times.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
With kind regards,
Original signed by
Steve Harlow
Assistant Deputy Minister
Sport, Recreation and Community Programs Division
