Ontario reduces capacity limits for Senators, 67's games and some indoor spaces

The Ottawa Senators, Ottawa 67's and concerts will have fewer people in the seats as Ontario reduces capacity limits to combat the COVID-19 Omicron variant of concern.

The Ontario government says as of Saturday at 12:01 a.m., new capacity limits of 50 per cent will be implemented at indoor entertainment venues, sports stadiums and meeting and event spaces with an indoor capacity of greater than 1,000 people.

"We need to target the largest crowds indoors where people are often unmasked," said Premier Doug Ford. "I know this will be tough, but it's an important step in ensuring we slow the spread of Omicron as we urgently accelerate boosters, because as I said earlier, it's all hands on deck."

The province says the venues with reduced capacity include entertainment facilities such as concert venues, theatres and cinemas; racing venues; meeting and event spaces; museums, galleries, aquariums, zoos, science centres, landmarks and historic sites. It will also include casinos, bingo halls and gaming establishments, along with fairs, rural exhibitions and festivals.

"This measure is being taken to reduce opportunities for close contact in high-risk settings with large crowds and when masks are not always worn," said the government in a media release.

Proof of full COVID-19 vaccination is already required for people aged 12 and older to enter indoor entertainment venues and sports venues.

The new rules mean the Ottawa Senators will be limited to approximately 9,300 fans at Canadian Tire Centre for their games Sunday against Boston, Tuesday against St. Louis and Thursday against Carolina.

In a statement Wednesday evening, the Senators said the club is preparing to make "ticketing modifications" to welcome a maximum capacity of 50 per cent to Canadian Tire Centre.

"Priority ticketing access is in place for Senators season seat members. Season seat members will not be affected by today’s announcement and will have their seats guaranteed for the duration of the current capacity reduction," said the Senators.

"Ticket holders who are likely to be affected by the reduction will soon be contacted by a member of the Senators account services’ team. While ticket validity is subject to change, the organization will effort to accommodate as many of its existing ticket holders as possible."

The Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group says capacity for Ottawa 67's games at the Arena at TD Place will be approximately 4,250 starting Friday night.

"To ensure adequate spacing throughout the arena, the upper level will be opened to allow fans the opportunity to socially distance from other people outside of their group," said OSEG in a statement.

"Additionally, TD Place will continue to reinforce our fan safety policies, with a focus on ensuring a safe and fun experience for all fans at our upcoming games."

All Ottawa 67's ticket purchasers will receive an email Wednesday evening outlining further details on the reduced capacity.

IMPACT ON HOTELS

The reduced capacity in casinos, theatres, museums and concert halls will cause a ripple across many industries.

“Our industry is so dependant on meetings and conventions particularly this time of year that whenever you make announcements creating uncertainty for those that have already booked with us or spring into the summer the cancellations just start coming in," said Steve Bell, president of the Ottawa-Gatineau Hotel Association.

“We’re definitely the hardest hit industry and continue to be and take one of the longest to recover and we recognize that as an industry.”

Ball says provincial support will help, but that the problem affects the entire country and more will be needed from the federal government, including campaigns to promote what is allowed.

"What we would like to see is promotion of things we can do, large scale meetings, we can’t I get it makes sense but we can still come and skate on the canal for Winterlude and promote the things we can do along with the negative things that we can’t," said Bell.

"We’re in the business of bringing people together that’s what hospitality and tourism is so until we can do that and people feel comfortable and safe yeah, we’re kind of hanging out there."