The Province Increases The Capacity On Gyms, Provides Funding For Amateur Sports

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Friday, 14 August 2020 13:40

Starting tomorrow gyms and recreation centres will be allowing up to 50 people per room, while maintaining a physical distance of at least two metres. Also, the Province will be spending $8 million to help amateur sports organizations and athletes.

ONTARIO - The provincial government says they will be allowing more people in gyms and recreational facilities.

In consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health, they'll be applying a capacity limit to each room to help more businesses reopen their doors, get more people back to work and promote the return to a healthy and active lifestyle for everyone in Ontario.

Starting tomorrow you can have up to 50 people for each room, while making sure physical distancing of at least two metres is maintained. The order will go into effect after midnight.

Premier Doug Ford says they're allowing more people to go back to help businesses that may be struggling.

"Many of our gyms and fitness centres are owned and operated by small business owners and they are struggling. To help them get back on their feet and hire back staff, we are making these changes so they can serve more people. I continue to urge everyone to follow the strict public health protocols to ensure everyone can have a safe workout."

The revised capacity limits are on a per room basis.

They will apply to gymnasiums, health clubs, community centres, multi-purpose facilities, arenas, exercise studios, yoga and dance studios and other fitness facilities that are able to follow the new guidelines. The change was allowed by amendments to the Stage 3 regulation and a new plan and guidance document to apply a per room limit for sport and recreational fitness activities at facilities who have the space or layout.

Businesses, not-for-profits, and municipalities may need or choose to take more time before putting this change place. Facilities may also adopt their own protocols that are more restrictive than the guidelines. The government will continue to work with sport and recreation organizations across Ontario on returning safely.

Measures to help stop the spread of COVID-19 have severely impacted amateur sports in the province, cancelling competitions and closed training centres. As more people will have access to sports and recreational facilities, the government is investing $8 million through the Ontario Amateur Sport Fund to help sports organizations, from Alpine Ontario to WushuOntario and every sport in between, to continue to serve athletes of all levels.

The funding will help them continue delivering high-quality programming and competitions to develop athletes, coaches and officials, and to promote health and wellness in communities across the province.

Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries, Lisa MacLeod says the funding will help this industry back up and running again.

"The government knows it has been a difficult road for the sport and recreation sector these past several months. This funding is providing much-needed stability and support to a sector that provides services to many businesses and non-profit organizations. With these changes and investments, we will once again show the world that Ontario is the best place to play sports."

Based on community needs, some cities and local medical officers of health have put additional restrictions or requirements in place, such as mandatory face coverings in commercial establishments and indoor public places. The Province says to check with your local public health unit's or local municipality's website.