Senators, Redblacks can welcome more fans under new Ontario capacity limits
The Senators and Redblacks will be able to have more fans in the stands at games this fall as Ontario expands capacity limits for sporting events, concerts and events.
Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Kieran Moore announced expanded capacity limits for some indoor and outdoor settings where proof of COVID-19 vaccine is required.
"With public health and health care indicators currently stable, and proof of vaccination now in effect, we are able to recommend cautiously easing capacity limits in certain settings," said Dr. Moore.
Capacity limits for indoor venues – including sporting events, concerts, theatres, cinemas, event spaces, banquet halls, convention centres and racing venues – will be increased to 50 per cent or 10,000 people, whichever is less. For outdoor event venues where patrons are seated, capacity limits increase to 75 per cent capacity, up to 30,000 people.
“Increasing capacity limits does not mean that we can let our guards down. We must remain cautious and humble in the face of this Delta variant,” said Dr. Moore during a media conference in Toronto.
The new rules mean the Ottawa Senators could host approximately 9,300 fans for their first exhibition game against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Sept. 29.
The Senators announced several changes regarding seat availability and access for the pre-season games, with capacity capped at 9,300. Certain areas of the venue will provide limited food and beverage offerings. The arena’s 400 level suites and the Ledge Restaurant will be closed. Seats within the 300 level will be limited to those that have purchased those tickets before today..
All fans must be fully vaccinated to attend games at Canadian Tire Centre, and wear masks inside the arena.
"The Senators continue to work with the province of Ontario as we move towards full capacity at CTC, which we continue to aim to achieve by opening night against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Oct. 14," said Eugene Melnyk, Senators owner and governor.
Earlier this month, the Senators said they expected to be able to host capacity crowds of 18,652 when the NHL regular season starts next month.
Outdoor sports venues were previously limited to 15,000 spectators in attendance, or 75 per cent of usual, pre-COVID capacity, whichever is less. Indoor sports venues were limited to 1,000 fans under Ontario's COVID-19 guidelines.
The Ottawa Redblacks have been allowed a maximum capacity of 15,000 fans at games at TD Place so far this season. With a capacity of 24,000 fans TD Place, the Redblacks would be allowed to have 18,000 fans for games under the new capacity limits.
For outdoor events venues where patrons stand, capacity limits will increase to up to 75 per cent capacity or 15,000 people, whichever is less.
"This is in recognition of the fact that the risk of transmission is lower because of reduced mobility around the venue," said the Ontario government.
In addition, proof of vaccination will now be required in outdoor settings where the normal maximum capacity is 20,000 people or more to help keep these venues safe for patrons.
CINEMAS, THEATRES, MEETING AND EVENT SPACES
The Ontario government is also expanding capacity limits for indoor settings where proof of vaccination is required, including banquet halls, convention centres, theatres and cinemas.
The new rules will set capacity at up to 50 per cent or 10,000 people for indoor events, whichever is less.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Widow looking for answers after Quebec man dies in Texas Ironman competition
The widow of a Quebec man who died competing in an Ironman competition is looking for answers.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
World seeing near breakdown of international law amid wars in Gaza and Ukraine, Amnesty says
The world is seeing a near breakdown of international law amid flagrant rule-breaking in Gaza and Ukraine, multiplying armed conflicts, the rise of authoritarianism and huge rights violations in Sudan, Ethiopia and Myanmar, Amnesty International warned Wednesday as it published its annual report.
Photographer alleges he was forced to watch Megan Thee Stallion have sex and was unfairly fired
A photographer who worked for Megan Thee Stallion said in a lawsuit filed Tuesday that he was forced to watch her have sex, was unfairly fired soon after and was abused as her employee.
Amid concerns over 'collateral damage' Trudeau, Freeland defend capital gains tax change
Facing pushback from physicians and businesspeople over the coming increase to the capital gains inclusion rate, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his deputy Chrystia Freeland are standing by their plan to target Canada's highest earners.
U.S. Senate passes bill forcing TikTok's parent company to sell or face ban, sends to Biden for signature
The Senate passed legislation Tuesday that would force TikTok's China-based parent company to sell the social media platform under the threat of a ban, a contentious move by U.S. lawmakers that's expected to face legal challenges.
Wildfire southwest of Peace River spurs evacuation order
People living near a wildfire burning about 15 kilometres southwest of Peace River are being told to evacuate their homes.
U.S. Senate overwhelmingly passes aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan with big bipartisan vote
The U.S. Senate has passed US$95 billion in war aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, sending the legislation to President Joe Biden after months of delays and contentious debate over how involved the United States should be in foreign wars.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.