Last updated: April 7, 2021 at 4:50 p.m.
On January 4, 2021, Toronto’s Medical Officer of Health issued a Letter of Instruction to all employers in the City of Toronto permitted to be open under the Reopening Ontario Act. Employers permitted to be open are required to take the additional measures set out in this Letter to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
The public can learn what to expect at beaches, dog parks, parks, swimming pools, and tennis courts as well as public washrooms.
This document provides interim directions for managers and participants (i.e. garden member/gardeners) of community and allotment gardens to help reduce the risk of COVID-19. Any person that uses community or allotment gardens must do so in accordance with these directions. Community gardens exist on both City of Toronto and private property. Allotment gardens are permitted through the City of Toronto and are located on City property. Review COVID-19 Guidance for Community Agencies for more information.
The aim and purpose of this document is to assist individuals and businesses with information related to the Ontario Government’s reopening framework as well as Toronto Public Health requirements to reduce the spread of COVID-19. It is important to know that breaches of some of these directions will constitute offences under provincial regulations or other public health legal requirements. While we aim to provide relevant and timely information, no guarantee can be given as to the accuracy or completeness of any information provided. This guidance is not intended to nor does it provide legal advice and should not be relied upon or treated as legal advice. Users seeking legal advice should consult with a qualified legal professional.
The risk of severe illness from COVID-19 is greater in older adults, individuals with a weak immune system, and individuals with a pre-existing medical condition. Toronto Public Health (TPH) strongly encourages residents who are at higher risk of contracting and becoming seriously ill from COVID-19 infection to limit interaction with others, stay home as much as possible and take additional precautions.
Toronto is in Lockdown level of the Keeping Ontario Safe and Open Framework. Under the provincial order, dance studios must close.
Toronto is in Lockdown level of the Keeping Ontario Safe and Open Framework. Under the provincial order, all indoor gyms and recreational programs must close.
*It is not mandatory for the facilities to open if they do not wish to do so.
For more information, see Guidance for facilities for sports and recreational fitness activities during COVID-19 province-wide shutdown for persons with disabilities .
A facility may be open for both purposes described above if the facility meets the conditions in both subsections.
See COVID-19 Guidance: Employers, Workplaces & Businesses for more information on preventing and managing COVID-19 within your facility
No indoor or outdoor sports or recreational classes are permitted at any indoor or utdoor sports and recreational fitness facilities.
Toronto is in Lockdown level of the Keeping Ontario Safe and Open Framework, effective 12:01 a.m. on November 23. Under the provincial order, all indoor playgrounds must close.
Read Toronto Public Health’s Guidance for Outdoor Playgrounds and Fitness Equipment (also available below) and download the outdoor playgrounds poster (also available in tabloid size and 18 x 24 inches).
Owners and operators of outdoor playground and fitness equipment need to implement infection prevention and control measures to minimize the risk of COVID-19 transmission for users. See Provincial Orders O. Reg. 82/20 for more information.
The aim and purpose of this document is to assist individuals and businesses with information related to the Ontario Government’s reopening framework as well as Toronto Public Health requirements to reduce the spread of COVID-19. It is important to know that breaches of some of these directions will constitute offences under provincial regulations or other public health legal requirements. While we aim to provide relevant and timely information, no guarantee can be given as to the accuracy or completeness of any information provided. This guidance is not intended to nor does it provide legal advice and should not be relied upon or treated as legal advice. Users seeking legal advice should consult with a qualified legal professional.
Review the Guidance for Employers on Preventing COVID-19 in the Workplace to plan and implement protocols to keep staff and clients safe, including:
The use of non-medical masks or face coverings is required in all indoor public spaces under a City of Toronto bylaw and O. Reg. 82/20.
Post signs in visible locations to remind everyone to practice public health measures. Signs can include:
This guidance document describes the requirements that outdoor recreational amenities, such as golf courses, driving ranges, tennis courts, sports fields etc. must comply with under the Reopening Ontario Act.
Owners and operators have a responsibility to assess the risks associated with their facility and operations, and their ability to mitigate these risks. They are responsible for implementing measures to reduce the risk of infection among all those who participate in their activities (e.g. staff, volunteers, patrons). See Provincial Orders O. Reg. 82/20 for more information.
The aim and purpose of this document is to assist individuals and businesses with information related to the Ontario Government’s reopening framework as well as Toronto Public Health requirements to reduce the spread of COVID-19. It is important to know that breaches of some of these directions will constitute offences under provincial regulations or other public health legal requirements. While we aim to provide relevant and timely information, no guarantee can be given as to the accuracy or completeness of any information provided. This guidance is not intended to nor does it provide legal advice and should not be relied upon or treated as legal advice. Users seeking legal advice should consult with a qualified legal professional.
Information for the public can be found in the COVID-19 Checklist for Using Outdoor Recreational Amenities.
Review the Guidance for Employers on Preventing COVID-19 in the Workplace to plan and implement protocols to keep staff and patrons safe. Operators must also consider the following:
This document does not replace the need for applicable permits. COVID-19 mitigation and safety measures do not replace pre-existing permit requirements, health and safety practices, or conditions.
The following guidance should be used by owners and operators of recreational water facilities, including public pools, spas, wading pools and splash pads, to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
Owners and operators are responsible for ensuring that their recreational water facility is in compliance with all orders made under the Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID-19) Act, 2020, in addition to O. Reg. 565/90 – Public Pools. As every recreational water facility is different, it is the responsibility of owners and operators to review their own policies, procedures, and site-specific operations, while ensuring that the appropriate infection prevention and control measures are implemented and maintained.
The aim and purpose of this document is to assist individuals and businesses with information related to the Ontario Government’s reopening framework as well as Toronto Public Health requirements to reduce the spread of COVID-19. It is important to know that breaches of some of these directions will constitute offences under provincial regulations or other public health legal requirements. While we aim to provide relevant and timely information, no guarantee can be given as to the accuracy or completeness of any information provided. This guidance is not intended to nor does it provide legal advice and should not be relied upon or treated as legal advice. Users seeking legal advice should consult with a qualified legal professional.
Review TPHs Guidance for Employers on Preventing COVID-19 in the Workplace to plan and implement protocols to keep staff and bathers safe. Owners and operators must also consider the following:
Business operators are required to prepare and make available a safety plan. Pools and spas located within other businesses (e.g. condo, sports facility) should be considered in that facility’s safety plan. This safety plan must:
The following are suggestions for achieving compliance with this requirement:
Note: Facilities must ensure that the total number of bathers permitted at any one time on the deck and in the pool does not exceed the maximum bather load as determined by O. Reg. 565/90 – Public Pools.