50th Edition • July 12, 2021
Ontario Government Moving to Step Three this Friday
Dear golf industry stakeholders,
 
The Ontario Government has announced that the province would be moving to Step Three of its Roadmap to Reopen at 12:01 am on Friday, July 16th. 

To read the full announcement, please click here.
What's Changing at your Golf Facility as of July 16 at 12:01 am
Indoor Dining
Indoor dining permitted with no limits on the number of patrons per table with physical distancing and other restrictions still in effect.
 
Buffets are now permitted.
Patio Dining
Outdoor patio dining permitted with no limits on the number of patrons per table with physical distancing and other restrictions still in effect.
Pro Shops
Non-essential retail will be permitted to reopen with capacity limited to the number of people that can maintain a physical distance of two metres.
Gathering Limits
Outdoor social gatherings and organized public events is permitted for up to 100 people. Therefore shotgun tournaments for up to 100 golfers will now be permitted.
 
Indoor social gatherings and organized public events is permitted for up to 25 people.
Meeting Space
Indoor meeting and event spaces permitted to operate with physical distancing and other restrictions still in effect and capacity limited to not exceed 50 per cent capacity or 1,000 people, (whichever is less).
Wedding Ceremonies and Receptions
Indoor and outdoor religious services including wedding and funeral services are permitted with physical distancing of 2 metres.
 
Indoor religious services, including weddings, are permitted but limited to the number of people that can maintain a physical distance of at least 2 metres. Outdoor religious services, including weddings, must comply with public health guidance for physical distancing.
 
A social gathering associated with a wedding (reception) is permitted with 25 people indoors, or 100 people outdoors.
Personal Fitness & Training
Indoor fitness classes and personal training permitted, with maximum capacity of 50% and other restrictions.
Pools & Whirlpools
Indoor and outdoor pools, splash pads, spray pads, whirlpools, wading pools and water slides open.

Indoor pools limited to 50% capacity and other restrictions.
Face Coverings for Golfers and Guests
At this point, there are no masks required on golf carts. For reference, on a call with the Ministry of Sport on July 9 it was clearly stated that ‘participants in a sport are not required to wear a mask’. If there is any doubt on this, please continue consult your local Public Health Unit for clarity.

Face coverings in indoor public settings and physical distancing requirements remain in place throughout Step Three.
 
This is in alignment with the advice on personal public health measures issued by the Public Health Agency of Canada, while also accounting for Ontario specific information and requirements. 
On Course Touchpoints
There are no restrictions for on course touch points including:

  • Ball Washers
  • Sand Bunker Rakes
  • Water Fountains or Water Bottle Refill Stations
  • Benches
  • Pin Flag / Golf Ball Retrieval Systems.
 
SPECIAL NOTE: Many facilities may choose to continue to utilize golf ball retrieval systems as well as the removal of bunker rakes for improved pace of play and to maintain an additional safety level for their golfers.
Ontario’s We Are Golf partners have now updated Appendix A: Golf Facility Best Practices During COVID-19, click here to access the updated information. 

A reminder that all current Public Health Restrictions for Step Two remain in place until 12:01 am on Friday, July 16th. You are encouraged to reach out to your local Public Health Unit if you have any questions.
 
SPECIAL NOTE: The province will remain in Step Three for at least 21 days and until 80% of the eligible population aged 12 and over has received one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, and 75% have received their second, with no public health unit having less than 70% of their eligible population aged 12 and over fully vaccinated. Other key public health and health care indicators must also continue to remain stable. Upon meeting these thresholds, the vast majority of public health and workplace safety measures will be lifted.
 
We will continue to send you updates as more information becomes available. Thank you and do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.
Southwestern Ontario
866-626-4262 ext. 44
Central Ontario
866-626-4262 ext. 49
Eastern Ontario
866-626-4262 ext. 45
515 Legget Drive, Suite 810 | Ottawa, ON | K2K 3G4