The countdown is done: Ontario entering Step 3 of economic reopening plan
Ontario will be moving to Step 3 of its economic reopening plan effective midnight. This comes five days ahead of schedule and allows many indoor activities to resume.
Anticipation and excitement is growing as business owners prepare to welcome the long-awaited return of their customers.
“We are absolutely thrilled to be able to open our doors for indoor (fitness),” says the co-owner of Old East Village Fitness, Sara Ivanisevic.
After being closed for months, shifting to online training and accommodating outdoor fitness classes, Ivanisevic says OEV Fitness is excited to finally be able to let members back into their gym.
"We've hired some new staff to make sure our facility is monitored and cleaned throughout operations, we always want to make sure our clients are sanitizing when they come in and when they leave. As they walk around the facility they're always going to be masked and we have smaller numbers to accommodate some of that capacity to keep everyone three metres apart.”
If you're looking to keep the kids active, indoor playgrounds are also preparing to open. For some, like the ‘Funvilla,’ Friday marks the grand opening of their 17,000 sq. ft. facility.
"We were ready in March - early March - and we were excited to open, but due to COVID restrictions, we can’t…so we are excited to open now tomorrow," said Funvilla Manager Syed Masood.
Masood says a number of safety measures are being implemented to ensure public health guidelines are met.
"Extra staff to clean and, you know, disinfect all these areas where people mostly touch."
Also at the top of the list of reopening in Stage 3, movie theatres and indoor dining, which will resume for the first time in months.
"The excitement is amazing right now - mostly with our cast, because the last shutdown - we weren't able to bring everyone back," said the GM of Westmount Cineplex, Lynne Burnett.
This will be the first time in a long time, movie theatres will be able to allow 50 per cent capacity inside the building.
"We have delegated staff that are going to be walking the building and sanitizing all touch points regularly throughout the day," adds Burnett.
Also among the new eased restrictions:
- indoor gatherings are permitted with 25 people, and 100 people outdoors
- professional sports venues can seat 75 per cent capacity outdoors and 50 per cent indoors
- places of worship will be allowed as many people as they can, provided two metres social distancing can be maintained
The province intends to stay in Step 3 for at least 21 days.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.