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Step 3 of Ontario’s Reopening

In Ontario, we are currently in Step 2 of the “Roadmap to Reopen”.  See our blog of June 25, 2021, which provides detail about Step 2 and what it currently means for Ontario condominiums.

What will change (on July 16th) under Step 3?

The province provides the following general description of Step 3:

“Step 3: Expanding access to indoor settings, with restrictions, including where there are larger numbers of people and where face coverings can’t always be worn.”

Here are some of the key changes (relevant to condominiums) under Step 3:

  • Larger outdoor gatherings, up to 100 people, will be permitted (subject to appropriate distancing).
  • ALSO:  Outdoor meeting and event facilities will be permitted to open, limited to 75% capacity or 5,000 people (whichever is less).

[The two items above mean that large outdoor in-person meetings will be possible, subject to appropriate distancing.]

  • Indoor meeting and event spaces will be able to open, at 50% capacity or 1,000 people (whichever is less) and with other restrictions.
  • Other indoor gatherings will also be permitted….. limited to 25 people.

[The two items above mean that more indoor in-person meetings and other indoor activities will be possible, but with appropriate distancing and/or wearing of masks.  As usual, members of the same household are permitted to gather without restriction.]

  • There’s no change in terms of outdoor recreational amenities:  They are permitted to open, with certain restrictions (such as appropriate distancing).  Indoor recreational amenities will also be permitted to open, subject to restrictions.  [*In the coming days, we will be blogging about the details.]
  • Outdoor pools and wading pools, etc. can remain open, with capacity for appropriate distancing.   Indoor pools, wading pools, whirlpools, etc. will be permitted to open, with indoor pools at 50% capacity and subject to other restrictions. [*In the coming days, we will be blogging about the details.]
  • All construction is permitted (subject to appropriate distancing and/or mask-wearing).
  • Real estate open houses will be permitted (but with capacity limited to permit physical distancing of 2 meters).

We add the following notes:

There will be some changes to previous requirements in relation to the wearing of masks (in interior common spaces).  [*In the coming days, we will be blogging about the changes.]

The previous screening and self-screening requirements are continuing.

Remember that you are not obligated to reopen as permitted by Step 3.  Each condominium Board can consider reopening (as permitted by Step 3) in light of the circumstances of the particular condominium.

Stay tuned to Condo Law News to keep up to date on the latest developments in Ontario’s COVID-19 restrictions!