COVID-19: New capacity limits for City of Hamilton recreation facilities and programming based on Red “Control” category

HAMILTON, ON – As a result of entering the Red “Control” category of the province’s Keeping Ontario Safe and Open Framework on Monday, the City of Hamilton is providing an update to the community on the new capacity limits for City recreation facilities and programming.

The province today confirmed for the City that the following capacity limits are required as part of the Red “Control” category:

• City Recreation centres, arenas and community halls:
  • A maximum of 10 patrons may be in a facility, regardless of size, at one time – this includes coaches and players
  • There are no special capacity limits for on-rink activity – a maximum of 10 patrons can be in the entire facility at one time
  • No spectators permitted
  • Hockey teams may train with drills only (no games or scrimmage of any size)
  • No access to arena changeroom facilities
• Pools:
  • Current COVID-19 bather load capacity limits apply
  • Swimmers will have access to changeroom facilities, however all Public Health measures apply and must be adhered to

For more information, visit www.hamilton.ca/recreation.

As a reminder, earlier this week the City announced the cancellation of the following Recreation programs:

• All fall registered programs, including swimming lessons, fitness programs, sports programs and general interest programs
• All current gym, sport, and fitness drop-in programs, including pickleball, badminton, basketball, table tennis, open gym, and waterfit

Some drop-in recreation programs will continue, including open swim, length swim, seniors general interest. These programs will all have additional enhanced health and safety measures, including:

• Reservations are required for entry, no walk-ins are permitted
• Limit duration of stay to 90 minutes
• Contact information is required for all patrons and attendance for team sport
• No spectators permitted
• Further reduced program, space, and facility capacities

Credits will be issued for registered programs and refunds will be issued by request. Residents can email at [email protected] to request a refund. Staff are contacting rental users and sports groups regarding how these changes impact facilities and their current rental permit or agreements.

More information about the Red “Control” category of the Provincial COVID-19 Response Framework and changes for the City of Hamilton can be found in the Keeping Ontario Safe and Open Framework. Changes impacting local public places are also available at www.hamilton.ca/publicplaces.

In addition to the Framework guidance, members of the public are reminded of the following:

• Restrict close contacts to your household members only and essential supports.  Those who live alone may join with another household for support.
• All in-person activities should be limited outside of the home to essential activities only, this includes work, school, fitness and exercise, access to healthcare, and the purchase of food or drink, gasoline, and automobile maintenance.
• Restrict all social gatherings to only immediate household members.
• Wear a mask or face covering when around others from another household, out in public places, or outdoors when unable to stay physically distant.
• Wash your hands often.
• If you have any COVID-19 symptoms or are not feeling well, stay isolated at home and get tested for COVID-19.

Additional Resources

• hamilton.ca/recreation
• hamilton.ca/coronavirus
• hamilton.ca/reopens
• covid-19.ontario.ca
• Public Health Services’ COVID-19 Hotline: 905-974-9848 or [email protected]