In addition to Ontario's vaccine certification program taking effect on Wednesday, some local municipalities are releasing new COVID-19 vaccination requirements for their public facilities.
Starting Wednesday, anyone over the age of 12 will need to provide proof of full vaccination and valid government identification before entering any indoor Windsor recreational venue.
Under the province rules, those aged 12 to 17 taking part in an organized sport do not have to show proof of vaccination. However, those 12 and up who are watching do as it is a provincial requirement.
The City of Windsor had planned to go a step further but announced Tuesday evening that participants 12 and older are required to have at least one vaccine shot. The vaccination deadline for participants aged 12 and older has been extended to November 15.
The local rule applies not only applies to venues like the WFCU Centre, or the Windsor International Aquatic and Training Centre, but other indoor spaces too. It will be required to enter Willistead Manor, the Capitol Theatre, and Mackenzie Hall.
Kingsville and LaSalle have opted to adopt a looser requirement falling more in line with the provincial ordinance.
"Individuals under 18 can enter the [Kingsville] Arena without proof of vaccination only if they are actively engaging in an organized sport or activity," said a statement from the Town of Kingsville. "Spectators who are 12 years of age and over must provide proof of vaccination.
LaSalle's statement reads, "With the exception of youth recreational sport has been defined by the Province of Ontario as those aged under 18 participating in an organized sport. Therefore, participants aged under 18 will be permitted to attend their organized sport inside the Vollmer Complex without proof of vaccine."
"We are sensitive to the fact that some people do not support these provincial rules. We ask you to please be kind remembering our staff are doing their best to comply with provincial law while delivering services to the community," said Kingsville CAO John Norton.
Masks are still required inside all indoor municipal facilities across Windsor-Essex.