Here’s what Phase 2 of reopening will look like in Hamilton
Published June 17, 2020 at 3:46 pm
Earlier this week, the province gave Hamilton the green light to enter phase 2 of reopening, so what will that look like in the coming days and months?
Earlier this week, the province gave Hamilton the green light to enter phase 2 of reopening, so what will that look like in the coming days and months?
It means that outdoor dining services at bars and restaurants, shopping malls, personal care services, water and other outdoor recreational facilities, beaches, and certain other businesses, services and areas may reopen, according to the City of Hamilton.
It’s important to note that while the province is allowing for some of these amenities to reopen, the City of Hamilton is taking a more cautious approach and some of these areas will NOT be open on Friday.
“As per the Provincial direction and the Hamilton Reopens plan, the City is preparing to reopen some areas as permitted under Stage Two, as outlined below,” a press release sent Tuesday (June 16) says.
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“However, while the City’s plan is meant to align generally with the Province’s framework for reopening Ontario, we will make our own announcements regarding reopening of individual amenities.”
So here are the things that WILL NOT be opening this Friday in Hamilton:
Pools and Spray Pads
The City is currently making preparations to reopen indoor and outdoor pools and spray pads. We will announce the details and timing for reopening these amenities as soon as possible.
***UPDATE (June 18): The City of Hamilton announced Wednesday evening that 65 of the city’s 68 spray pads will open Friday (June 19), some indoor pools on July 6 and some outdoor pools on July 13.
Outdoor Recreational Facilities
Outdoor team sports may resume for training purposes only, with no scrimmages or games. More details on booking City fields for training purposes will follow as soon as possible.
Please note that all playgrounds, play structures and outdoor fitness equipment remain closed at this time.
Community Centres
While the Province has allowed community centres to reopen to the public with limited or modified on-site programs, and services, at this time our municipal community centres will remain closed to the public.
Museums and Heritage Buildings
While the Province has allowed museums and heritage buildings to reopen to the public, at this time our museums and heritage buildings will remain closed to the public.
“With the City preparing to reopen certain areas as permitted under the Province’s framework, I will ask for our community to have patience as we work to make sure our reopening is safe, successful and does not undo the progress we have made so far,” said Mayor Fred Eisenberger in the release.
“Please continue to follow public health recommendations including practising physical distancing, wearing a non-medical mask when physical distancing is difficult to maintain, washing your hands often and staying home when you are sick.”
For the variety of businesses and workplaces that will be reopening in the coming days and weeks, the city has provided sets of guidelines for doing so safely.
Beaches in Hamilton will also be permitted to open on Friday.
For restaurants, dining is only permitted in outdoor spaces for now and it is incumbent on proprietors to ensure customers and staff follow physical distancing protocols, among other recommendations.
“Access to indoor facilities will be limited to patio/outdoor dining area access, food pickup, payment, washrooms or other health and safety purposes,” the City says in the release.
In May, City council approved a motion put forward by councillor Jason Farr that would allow restaurants to temporarily expand their outdoor footprint to allow for increased seating capacity.
To date, City staff have received more than 80 inquiries from interested businesses and 30 formal applications have been submitted for review and approval.
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