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Opening Amenities – Where Are We Now?

We’ve been receiving some questions about opening amenities, and we thought we would do our best to answer with this blog.

Where do condominiums stand now in terms of opening amenities? To answer this question, I start with the following key points in terms of opening amenities:

  1. Some amenities should stay closed.
  1. Some amenities (previously closed) can now reopen (on June 12, 2020) if the Board so decides based upon the Board’s overall consideration of safety.[NOTE:  This applies only to regions in which the province’s Stage 2 Re-opening will take effect.]
  1. For all other amenities: It’s again up to the Board to decide (based on consideration of safety) whether or not they should be open.
  1. If the Board decides that an amenity should be open, it’s important to follow the advice of health officials in order to control the transfer of the virus in connection with use of the amenity.

What amenities should currently stay closed?

  • Amenities involving indoor recreational activities, with the exception of swimming pools (which can now reopen if desired – see below). Here are some examples of indoor amenities that should currently stay closed:
  • Locker rooms (unless connected with a pool and provided they can be adequately sanitized)
  • Change rooms (unless connected with a pool and provided they can be adequately sanitized)
  • Showers (unless connected with a pool and provided they can be adequately sanitized)
  • Saunas
  • Whirlpools
  • Gyms
  • Squash Courts
  • Outdoor recreational activities that are high contact or don’t allow for two-meter physical distancing. This includes:
  • Playgrounds
  • Play structures
  • Outdoor fitness equipment
  • Basketball games

What Amenities (previously closed) can now open (if the Board wishes)?

  • Indoor and outdoor swimming pools, splash pads and wading pools. Associated change rooms and showers can also be opened as long as they can be “adequately sanitized and disinfected”. Also:  See the province’s Stage 2 Framework for details about protocols to be followed in relation to opening of pools. And see our separate blog of today’s date dealing specifically with pool openings.
  • Outdoor recreational activities that are LOW contact and allow for two-meter physical distancing. This includes:
  • Tennis Courts
  • Basketball shooting (by one’s self)

What are some examples of OTHER Amenities that the Board could consider opening (if it wishes)?

  • Guest Suites
  • Meeting Rooms
  • Offices
  • Outdoor Barbeque Areas
  • Car Washes
  • Common Rooms or Lounges
  • Card Rooms or Board Game Rooms
  • Dog run areas

I hasten to add that if these other amenities are to be opened, you will of course want to consider all of the relevant public health protocols and perhaps prepare helpful guidelines, signage and/or Rules to be followed by the users of the amenities. Also:  Gatherings of up to 10 persons are now permitted, as long as two-meter physical distancing is maintained between persons from different households.

Some Helpful Resources

The following are very helpful in terms of the “Protocols for Re-opening” (if you decide to open some of your amenities):

  • Other guidelines and sample signage available on the websites of most local health departments.

Stay tuned to Condo Law News to keep up to date on the latest developments in condominium law!