Mayor's Statement on Arena Capacity Limits due to COVID-19

OFFICE OF THE MAYOR

October 5, 2021

Dear Residents,

Since the beginning of the pandemic, the Township has been required to follow all COVID-19 directives from the Province and Health Unit for our municipal buildings and facilities, including our arenas.

Like many other workplaces, our staff have been verbally harassed and threatened by individuals who do not agree with the health, distancing, and vaccination regulations set in place by the Province and Health Unit. Thankfully, these individuals are few, and I commend staff for their professionalism.

At the October 4, 2021, Council Meeting, Council and staff discussed the current COVID-19 regulations on capacity limits within our arenas. Current regulations require that all spectators be fully vaccinated; upcoming regulations will also require that all players, coaches, volunteers, those 12 and older, etc. to be fully vaccinated. Please remember these limits are set and confirmed by the Health Unit. For example, having bench seating instead of actual seats reduces our capacity limits. Although Council understands and shares the frustrations of the current capacity limits and health requirements, we do not have the authority to supersede provincial Regulations and Health Unit directives by choosing to interpret them differently than was intended.

Considering that all visitors in our arena buildings will be required to be fully vaccinated, Council is planning a resolution that will ask for the capacity limits of our recreational facilities to be reconsidered. This resolution, once drafted by staff and approved by Council, will be sent to both the Province and our local Medical Director of Health, Dr. Paul Roumeliotis.

Rest assured that while following all regulations, the Township always clarifies details with the Health Unit so there are no restrictions imposed other than what is required.
Thank you to all residents and facility users for your ongoing patience, understanding, and kindness towards staff and one another. We hope that both the Province and Health Unit will consider our request for increasing the limits for those who followed recommendations and have been fully vaccinated.

Best Regards,

Pierre Leroux
Mayor