Capacity for arenas and rec centres capped at 10 under COVID-19 red zone

Only 10 people can be in Hamilton recreation centres, arenas and community halls at one time while the city remains in the red "control" zone of province's COVID-19 framework.

The city says the province confirmed the capacity limits Wednesday.

That means a maximum of 10, including coaches and players, can be at any facility — regardless of its size.

It's a far smaller number than the 50 people the city initially announced would be permitted Sunday, and will have impacts for area teams and athletic associations.

"Logistically it's going to be extremely difficult to continue under the new restrictions," said Mike Spadafora, general manager of the Hamilton Huskies Hockey Club.

The Huskies have approximately 30 teams each year. While the summer and fall offered challenges because of COVID-19, Spadafora said they tried turn the focus on training into a positive.

Now they're considering pausing until the new year.

"It's going to be frustrating for our players. They love coming to the rink and a lot of them probably didn't get the news until this morning," he explained.

"It's a disappointing day for sure, but we're going to do what's best for our players."

One league has already made that decision. A notice on the Chedoke Minor Hockey League's website states that with only 10 people allowed on the ice, "a difficult decision has been made to pause the hockey season effective immediately."

Limit will have a 'huge impact'

Still, the answer from the province provides clarity after officials expressed confusion and frustration about "discrepancies" around the regulations.

Paul Johnson, director of the city's emergency operations centre, offered an apology Wednesday morning to teams and athletic associations trying to navigate the new rules without any firm answers on limits.

"I do realize if the number drops lower that's going to have a huge impact," he told the city's general issues committee.

Hamilton will remain in the red zone for at least 28 days.

There are no special capacity limits for on-ice activities and hockey teams can't play games or scrimmages, adds the city.

No fans or other spectators are permitted and no access will be granted to change rooms at arenas.

Swimmers will still be able to use change rooms, but the city reminds residents that all public health measures such as physical distancing must be followed.

Earlier in the week, the city announced all fall registered programs including swimming lessons, fitness programs, sports programs and general interest programs are cancelled.

The cancellations include all fall registered programs, including fitness and sport, and all drop-ins such as pickleball, badminton, basketball, table tennis, Waterfit and open gym.

Some drop-in programs continue such as open swim, length swims and senior general interest will continue with enhanced safety measures.

Credits will be issued for those missing out on their registered programs and refunds will be handed out by request, according to the city.

Residents are asked to email recreation.registration@hamilton.ca to get a refund.