The City has received additional details on the Provincial modified stage-two restrictions and is providing a further update on impacts to its recreation activities and rentals – especially around the gathering limitations of 10 people indoors and 25 outdoors. Furthermore, masks must be worn in all facilities.

As outlined on Friday, the new restrictions have resulted in the closure of fitness and weight rooms and stopping all drop-in fitness classes and many indoor team sporting activities. Instructional recreation programs have been cancelled, with the exception of modified swimming lessons. While team sports using City facilities are limited to practices and drills, they must also restrict the number of participants to 25 outdoors and 10 indoors – a total number that includes both players and coaches. Public skating and skating lessons in indoor arenas have been suspended.

Arenas limited to 10 participants, changerooms closed

Only 10 participants are permitted at an arena for team practices or drills, including coaches. In addition, no spectators are allowed and the use of dressing rooms are restricted for storage and first-aid use only.

Don’t travel outside red zone for fitness or team play

Both the provincial government and public health authorities are asking all residents to limit travel – especially to locations that are situated outside the code-red area. To limit the risk of spreading COVID-19 to areas where case counts are low, people and sporting teams are urged not to travel to other cities or locations for team play or fitness activities.

Swimming activities continue

Public and lane swimming, as well as swimming lessons, can continue under the recent regulations, but with limited participation numbers and under an advance reservation system. Change rooms will remain open for showering and changing. Reservations will continue online and can be made up to two days in advance. Masks need to be worn throughout the facility and on the pool deck, but can be removed when entering the water.

Racquet sports – badminton, tennis, squash and racquetball

Racquet sports where the participants are on opposite sides of a court, like tennis, pickle ball and badminton, are restricted to single play only. Conversely, racquetball and squash will not be allowed, as both involve two players playing in close proximity in an enclosed room.

Outdoor basketball courts, ball diamonds, pitches and football fields remain available for training and practice only and with a maximum attendance of 25 people.

Meeting and event rentals limited to 10 inside, 25 outside

The new gathering restrictions of 10 indoors and 25 outdoors also apply to rentals at City facilities for meetings and functions. Room rentals will be limited to a maximum of 10 people. Smaller rooms may be restricted to fewer people to ensure two-metre distancing between each participant.

The only exception to the above is for indoor religious ceremonies or services where the number of participants will be based on 30 per cent of the room capacity and participants maintaining a two-metre distance from each other. For both indoor and outdoor events, table sittings must be limited to no more than six people.

The City recognizes the social, physical and mental health benefits of recreation programming to the community. In keeping some activities running with safety measures in place, we have attempted to balance the needs of the community with the need to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

For more information on the new rules and regulations in Ottawa, visit ottawa.ca.