The Municipality of Chatham-Kent is trying to clear up confusion and calm frustration about different provincial public safety rules for different events during the pandemic.
General Manager of Community Human Services and Chief Executive Officer of Chatham-Kent Public Health April Rietdyk admits the public health measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 are being interpreted differently across the province. Rietdyk said the difference is in how an event or activity is framed or named, adding the rules change often.
"I am finding that many events are classifying themselves as a "Fair" allowing for some greater capacity," said Rietdyk, adding that many events and facilities require proof of vaccination to enter and other restrictions such as masks or face coverings.
The different rules are creating confusion and frustration with many across Chatham-Kent because the Chatham Santa Claus parade was cancelled again this year. Many are also frustrated that the December 2021 Festival of Lights and Market in Blenheim was cancelled because it didn't meet requirements while WAMBO was allowed to carry on in Wallaceburg.
Chief Administrative Officer Don Shropshire said there's little the municipality can do to change the maximum capacity rules contained in the Reopening Ontario Act, but it will revisit the decision to cancel the Santa Claus parade if the provincial rules relax further in time to organize a parade.
"We have tried to do everything we can to provide support especially for outdoor events. We recognize those are a whole lot safer and we also know the community is looking for some diversions after two very long years of restrictions and so on. So, we're trying to find a way to make some of those things work but we're still bound by the restrictions of the legislation," said Shropshire.
Shropshire noted many municipalities across the province are opting for reverse Santa Claus parades where the floats, displays, and bands are stationary and people drive by to watch.
Here is a reminder of the Reopening Ontario Act rules as of October 19, 2021:
Social and Public Gatherings, including parades
Maximum 100 people for outdoor gatherings
Maximum 25 people for indoor gatherings
Retirement homes are exempt from gathering limits
Religious services, rites or ceremonies, including wedding services and funeral services
Indoor and outdoor permitted with capacity limited to permit physical distancing of 2 metres
Sports and recreational fitness facilities, including arenas
Indoor- open at 50 per cent capacity, with spectators permitted at a maximum capacity of 50 per cent or 1,000 people, whichever is less and other restrictions
Outdoor- for unseated events, spectators are permitted at a maximum capacity of 75 per cent or 5,000 people, whichever is less and other restrictions. For events with fixed seating, spectators are permitted at a maximum capacity of 75 per cent or 15,000 people, whichever is less and other restrictions. There are, however, special exemptions for major league sporting events.
Water recreation
Indoor and outdoor pools, splash pads, spray pads, whirlpools, wading pools and water slides are open
Indoor pools are limited to 50 per cent capacity and other restrictions
Meeting and Event Spaces, including the Bradley Convention Centre
Indoor open at 50 per cent capacity or 1,000 people, whichever is less and other restrictions
Outdoor open at 75 per cent capacity or 5,000 people, whichever is less and other restrictions
Performing Arts, including Capitol and Kiwanis Theatres
Indoor open at a maximum capacity of 50 per cent or 1,000 people, whichever is less and other restrictions
Outdoor- for unseated events, spectators are permitted at a maximum capacity of 75 per cent or 5,000 people, whichever is less and other restrictions. For events with fixed seating, spectators are permitted at a maximum capacity of 75 per cent or 15,000 people, whichever is less and other restrictions
Cinemas
Indoor open at a maximum capacity of 50 per cent or 1,000 people, whichever is less and other restrictions
Fairs and Rural Exhibitions, including farmers markets and craft fairs, etc.
Open at 50 per cent capacity indoors and 75 per cent capacity outdoors with other restrictions, including on rides