Message dated July 14th 2021
Dear municipal partners,

We received quite a few questions about the capacity limits for various types of events/gatherings.

Generally, the gathering limits are as follows (please note that people still need to be able to maintain physical distancing from individuals that aren’t from their household, which may reduce the maximum capacity):

• Indoors = maximum 25 people for an organized public event, a social gathering, or a social gathering associated with a religious service.
• Outdoors = maximum 100 people for an organized public event, a social gathering, or a social gathering associated with a religious service.

Please note that an organized public event that is held at a business or place to which a capacity limit set out in Schedule 1 or 2 of O.Reg. 364/20 applies, if the event is held in accordance with that capacity limit and the requirements set out in that specific section.

Also, please note that a social gathering, including those associated with a religious service, can have the greater capacity associated with a meeting or event space, including a conference centre or convention centre, if the business is operating in compliance with section 4 of Schedule 1.

What does this all mean? It means that if an organized public event or social gathering is held in a meeting or event space that is staffed than the capacity limits in the meeting and event space section of O.Reg 364/20 will apply. The staffing of the location is required in order to ensure that the requirements of that section are met. Also, please note that the capacity limit is reduced if dancing is part of the indoor event or social gathering.

Here’s the summary of the capacity limits if the event is held in a staffed meeting or event location:

• Indoors if dancing isn’t allowed: limited to the number of members of the public that can maintain a physical distance of at least two metres, up to a maximum of 50% of the capacity in relation to the fire code, or a maximum of 1000 persons (in the entire establishment), whichever is less.

• Indoors if dancing is allowed: limited to the number that can maintain a physical distance of at least two metres from every other person in the establishment and in any event may not exceed 25 per cent capacity, or 250 persons, whichever is less.
• Outdoors whether or not dancing is allowed: the total number of members of the public permitted to be at the establishment at any one time may not exceed 75 per cent capacity, as determined in accordance with subsection 3 (2) of Schedule 1, or 5,000 persons, whichever is less.

Here are the requirements and capacity limits for meeting or event spaces:

• The maximum capacity for the entire facility must be limited to the number of members of the public that can maintain a physical distance of at least two metres, up to a maximum of 50% of the capacity in relation to the fire code, or a maximum of 1000 persons, whichever is less.
• The maximum capacity per room must be limited to the number of members of the public that can maintain a physical distance of at least two metres, up to a maximum of 50% of the room capacity in relation to the fire code.
• The total number of members of the public permitted to be in an outdoor portion of the rentable meeting or event space at any one time may not exceed 75 per cent capacity, as determined in accordance with subsection 3 (2) of this Schedule, or 5,000 persons, whichever is less.
• Capacity limits must be posted in a conspicuous location visible to the public.
• Rooms must be separated by a partition with a hard, non-porous surface that can be easily and routinely cleaned and disinfected (if a partition is used to separate rooms).
• The rented space must be configured so that patrons seated at different tables are separated by a distance of 2 metres, or a plexiglass or some other impermeable barrier.
• Individuals must maintain physical distancing (2 metres) from those outside of their household.
• Masking is required indoors (the typical exemptions apply).
• The person responsible for the business or place must actively screen individuals before they enter the indoor premises of the business or place.
• Record the name and contact information of every member of the public who enters the facility and keep the log for a minimum of 1 month.

The following capacity limits will apply if dancing is part of the event:

• In the case of an indoor establishment, the total number of members of the public permitted to be in the establishment at any one time must be limited to the number that can maintain a physical distance of at least two metres from every other person in the establishment and in any event may not exceed 25 per cent capacity, as determined by taking 25 per cent of the maximum occupant load of the business or facility, or part of a business or facility, as applicable, as calculated in accordance with Ontario Regulation 213/07 (Fire Code), made under the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997, or 250 persons, whichever is less.
• In the case of an outdoor establishment, the total number of members of the public permitted to be at the establishment at any one time may not exceed 75 per cent capacity, as determined in accordance with subsection 3 (2) of Schedule 1, or 5,000 persons, whichever is less.

Please share this message with individuals within your organization.

Please feel free to contact Caroline, Rami, Louise or myself if you have questions regarding meeting or event spaces.

Thanks,
Nik
Nikolas Hotte
Program Manager, Tobacco and Chronic Disease Prevention
Gestionnaire de programme, tabagisme et prévention des maladies chroniques