Covid-19 Bulletin No.42: Ontario Moves to Step 2 of Its Reopening Plan

Updated on June 30, 2021

As of today, June 30 2021, Ontario is now into Step 2 of its COVID-19 reopening plan. The Ontario government announced last week that the province had surpassed all of its set targets and was moving into Step 2, two days early. While a number of businesses will be permitted to reopen their doors and increase their indoor capacity, not much will change for condominiums as the restrictions specifically relating to condominiums are similar to those in place under Step 1 of the reopening plan.

We are expected to remain in Step 2 until July 21, 2021, which is 21 days after today’s date. Although vaccination targets for Step 3 have already been met, the government has not yet made an announcement as to whether the province will enter into Step 3 early. However, the province has indicated that it intends to monitor transmission rates as more restrictions are eased prior to moving into the next step of the reopening plan.

What is permitted in Step 2?

• Outdoor gatherings of up to 25 people;
• Indoor gatherings of up to 5 people;
• Outdoor diners can now seat 6 at a table instead of 4;
• Essential retail capacity has been increased to 50% and non-essential retail to 25%;
• Indoor religious services and/or ceremonies can operate at 25% capacity;
• Amusement parks, water parks, outdoor cinemas and live events can all operate at 25% capacity; and
• Personal care services (e.g., hair salons) are permitted to reopen.

The limits on social gatherings apply to gatherings and events that are held on the common elements of condominiums as well as within any units. 

What will be permitted when Ontario enters Step 3?

Ontario will enter Step 3 approximately 21 days after today’s date on July 21, 2021. Under Step 3, the province will allow the following in addition to what is already permitted under Steps 1 and 2:

• Outdoor and indoor gatherings with larger capacity limits (although the province has not yet outlined specific numbers);
• Indoor sports and recreational fitness facilities with limited capacity; and
• Indoor pools, splash pads, spray pads, whirlpools, wading pools and water slides, providing there is a minimum of 2 metres physical distancing.

What does this mean for condominiums?

Until the province enters into Step 3, all indoor fitness rooms and indoor swimming pools must remain closed. Condominiums can open their outdoor amenities, however condominiums are not obligated to and have the discretion as to whether they open them or not.

If your condominium is considering reopening your outdoor amenities, please refer to our previous COVID-19 Bulletins, which contain information on recommended protocols and procedures to be implemented condominiums when reopening their amenities.

Please ensure that you speak with legal counsel if your condominium does not already have COVID-19 protocols and policies in place to help manage the risks associated with COVID-19.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact anyone on our team:

All of the information contained in this article is of a general nature for informational purposes only, and is not intended to represent the definitive opinion of the firm of Elia Associates on any particular matter. Although every effort is made to ensure that the information contained in this article is accurate and up-to-date, the reader should not act upon it without obtaining appropriate professional advice and assistance.