City Prepares as Province Lifts Capacity Limits for Oct. 25

Effective Monday Oct. 25 at 12:01 am, the Ontario government has given orders to lift capacity limits in the vast majority of settings where proof of vaccination is required, including all city indoor areas of sports and recreational facilities.

This is in response to continued improvements to key health indicators province-wide, including ongoing stability in the province’s hospitals.

“As the province begins to gradually lift public health measures, including capacity limits, we will continue to remain diligent and in accordance with Provincial regulations,” said Norm Gale, City Manager. “We will work hard to get people through the doors of our recreational facilities as quickly as possible, and make sure this is being done properly and with safety in mind. We are asking for continued kindness and patience from patrons while we work though this new regulation.” 

He added that the City continues to work towards increasing staffing at facilities, recruiting continues and volunteers are sought, and lineups will continue as staff screen for vaccine passports and contact tracing.

Patrons entering any of the City’s indoor recreation facilities are still required to provide proof of vaccination. This can be done with the Verify Ontario App QR Code, paper vaccination receipt (not laminated) or medical exemption alongside government-issued identification. This requirement is in addition to existing active screening procedures. 

Before entering one of the City’s indoor recreation facilities, patrons must provide proof of identification with proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Acceptable proof of identification is a piece of government-issued ID that has the name and date of birth of the identification holder (e.g. birth certificate, citizenship card, drivers licence, health card, status card, passport, permanent residence card).

Pre-screening continues to be required at all recreation facilities. Help reduce line-ups at entrances by completing pre-screening online on our Pre-Screening for Recreation Facilities page

• As of Oct. 22, 2021, 4.8 million Ontarians have downloaded their enhanced vaccine certificate, and one million people are using the Verify Ontario app. To download and learn more visit the Ontario COVID-19 Verify page
• For the most up-to-date list of local service changes, and additional city service information lines, visit our COVID-19 page   
• For public health information, visit the Thunder Bay District Health Unit Coronavirus page

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Contact: Stacey Levanen, Supervisor – Corporate Communications & Community Engagement, 625-3650