Ontario has eased restrictions on the indoor capacity for meeting and event facilities.
Facilities can now have up to 50 guests in each indoor meeting room or event space, so as long as they abide by a plan approved by the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health (OCMOH).
“As the province gradually and safely reopens, our government is continuing to promote a safe approach to reopening businesses to boost Ontario’s economic and social recovery,” says Lisa MacLeod, Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries. “Allowing for multiple meetings or events will allow convention centres, hotels and other professional meeting facilities to welcome back more visitors and employees.”
The current indoor gathering limit will now apply on a per meeting room or event space basis at professional meeting and event facilities, including convention centres, hotels, motels, resorts, banquet halls and conference centres.
“We are happy that the province is demonstrating its understanding of the importance of the meetings and events sector to the economy by allowing us to reopen in a manner that will allow us to host more meetings and events while ensuring everyone remains safe,” says Shaw Centre president and CEO, Nina Kressler.
Outdoor meeting and event facilities remain subject to the 100-person gathering limit for the entire outdoor area.
Capacity limits exclude employees or event personnel.
To operate and expand indoor capacity safely during Stage 3 of Ontario’s framework for reopening the province, convention centres, hoteliers and other associations have helped inform the development of a guidance document, which is the plan approved by the OCMOH. These measures ensure public safety based on public health requirements, operational best practices and industry guidelines prepared by the sector.
“The health and safety of our customers, visitors and staff remains our highest priority, and we are ready to welcome them back slowly, surely and safely,” says Metro Toronto Convention Centre president and CEO, Lorenz Hassenstein. “As the largest convention centre in Canada, our facility generates well over half a billion dollars in economic impact annually to the city and province. We are excited to move onward — to welcome guests into our safe facility this fall and continue with our strong calendar of events in 2021.”
