COVID-19 Update – Ontario Releases Details of Stage 2 of the Province’s Regional Reopening Plan

Today the provincial government released further details of Stage 2 of reopening Ontario’s economy. 

On June 12^th, most regions of Ontario will enter Stage 2 of the province’s Framework for Reopening our Economy and allow designated businesses to reopen. Regions excluded from this progression include the GTA (Toronto, Durham, Halton, Peel, York), Haldimand-Norfolk, Hamilton, Niagara, Lambton, and Windsor-Essex.

Effective 12:01 a.m. on Friday, June 12^th, everywhere except for those major designated regions, the following businesses will be permitted to reopen subject to detailed guidelines:

• • • • Outdoor dine-in services at restaurants, bars and other establishments, including patios, curbside, parking lots and adjacent properties;
      • Select personal and personal care services, including tattoo parlours, barber shops, hair salons and beauty salons;
      • Shopping malls, with food services reopening for take-out and outdoor dining only;
      • Tour and guide services, such as bike and walking, bus and boat tours, as well as tasting and tours for wineries, breweries and distilleries;
      • Water recreational facilities such as outdoor splash pads and wading pools, and all swimming pools;
      • Beach access and additional camping at Ontario Parks;
      • Camping at private campgrounds;
      • Outdoor-only recreational facilities and training for outdoor team sports;
      • Drive-in and drive-through venues for theatres, concerts, animal attractions and cultural appreciation;
      • Film and television production activities; and
      • Weddings and funerals, with limits on social gatherings to 10 people.

Loosening Restrictions Province-Wide

Also taking effect 12:01 on June 12^th across the province (regardless of whether a region has moved to Stage 2):

• • • • The limit on social gatherings will increase from 5 to 10 people.
      • Places of worship will be allowed to reopen at 30 per cent of building capacity.

Moving forward, the provincial government has committed to provide weekly updates on the state of regions currently excluded from Stage 2 to assess whether they are ready to move to this level.

Commercial Eviction Ban for CECRA-Qualifying Tenants

Premier Ford announced a ban on commercial evictions from June 3 to August 31^st for certain small businesses that are eligible for the Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA) program. To qualify for CECRA, these small businesses must who have experienced at least a 70 per cent decline in revenue due to the pandemic. The eviction ban will reverse any evictions of CECRA-qualifying tenants that occurred on or after June 3^rd.

More News to Come

Tomorrow, the Ontario government will be releasing its plan for expanding childcare services to support Ontarians going back to work. Premier Ford has also told the public to expect further details on the following areas soon:

• • • • Summer camps;
      • Post-secondary education pilots to help people graduate;
      • Training centres; and
      • Public transit.