Here's what changes as Waterloo region, Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph enter Step 3

At 12:01 a.m. Friday, Waterloo region, Guelph, Wellington and Dufferin counties will enter Step 3 of the provincial reopening plan.

Even though Waterloo region just entered Step 2 on Monday, the region's medical officer of health said improving case numbers and trends means it can take another step.

"Our public health and health care indicators continue to improve or stabilize, and our vaccination rates are increasing rapidly," Wang said earlier this week.

"Waterloo region residents are strongly encouraged to get their second dose of vaccine as soon as they can and continue to diligently practice public health measures, as Delta continues to circulate widely and remains a threat in our region."

It means some changes to what is allowed to be open and how many people can gather at events.

How many people can I gather with?

Outdoor social gatherings or public events up to 100 people are allowed. Indoor, it's up to 25 people.

The City of Waterloo notes picnic bookings are permitted with a maximum of 75 capacity up to 100 people.

Can I eat inside at a restaurant?

Yes, indoor dining is permitted and there is no limit on the number of people allowed at a table. As well, buffets are permitted.

This news makes me want to dance. Are night clubs open?

Dance clubs can be open with a maximum capacity of 25 per cent indoors or 250 people, whichever is less, and 75 per cent or 5,000 people outside, whichever is less.

What changes when I go shopping?

Retail can be open and store capacity isn't capped, but stores must ensure people can be physically distanced.

Kitchener Market will see increased capacity - and indoor and outdoor dining will be permitted.

The Cambridge Farmers' Market will continue to keep a capacity limit of 32 shoppers inside and between 100 to 120 outside.

The Guelph Farmers' Market will allow up to 265 people to shop indoors and up to another 265 outside.

I need a new book. Can the library be open?

Libraries can be open with a capacity limit based on ensuring everyone inside can maintain a physical distance of two metres. 

Some libraries require reservations for computers and study seats. It's recommended people call ahead.

Can I attend a religious ceremony or gathering?

Yes, indoor religious services, rites or ceremonies are allowed so long as physical distancing can be maintained.

I need to visit city hall. Can I?

In most cases, yes. Here is the breakdown by municipality:

• Region of Waterloo administrative headquarters is open, but services are by appointment only or online. People can call (519) 575-4400 to book an appointment or ask questions.
• Waterloo's city hall is open.
• Kitchener's city hall is open for in-person counter service but "appointments are strongly encouraged."
• Cambridge's city hall remains closed to the public except for the Service Cambridge counter on the first floor. People are encouraged to do as much municipal-related business online or by phone as possible.
• North Dumfries municipal office is open for limited in-person appointments and drop-in visits to select services that cannot be completed online or by phone.
• Wilmot's administration complex is open for in-person bill payments and other services by appointment.
• Wellesley's administration office remains closed to the public, with staff available by phone or email.
• Woolwich's township offices are open to the public, but staff is still working a mix of in-office and from home. It's recommended people reach out by email or phone first to book an appointment before visiting.
• The ServiceGuelph is open at Guelph's city hall. People are encouraged to use the mail slot at the front of the building or online services. Marriage licences are issued by appointment only.
• County of Wellington's administration centre is closed to the public.

Can we play sports?

Yes. Outdoor sports are permitted and there is no capacity limit for players. Sports with contact are permitted. Teams from outside the region are permitted to travel and play in Waterloo region.

Indoor sports, gyms, fitness classes, personal training and recreational facilities can be open with a 50 per cent capacity limit. Spectators are also permitted up to 50 per cent or 1,000 people (whichever is less).

The City of Waterloo says many outdoor recreation programs are underway and the city will "gradually ramp up further indoor program and services" starting Friday. It means some programs and services may not be available immediately. People are encouraged to look at the "check before you rec" section on the city's website.

The City of Cambridge reminds people that for indoor activities, "active screening will continue. Parents/spectators are reminded to maintain physical distancing and must be masked."

Can we watch sports in person?

Yes. Spectators are permitted at Kitchener Panther games as well as the Guelph Nighthawks, along with other minor sports.

For spectators at unseated events, there can be 75 per cent or 5,000 people watching the game. Sports with fixed seating can have 75 per cent or up to 15,000 people, whichever is less.

Can our community centre open?

Yes, community centres and multi-purpose facilities can open. It may take a few days for city or regionally run facilities to open, so be sure to check with your local centre.

The City of Kitchener says more in-person programming is allowed, but summer camps, outdoor fitness classes, youth programming, mobile skate parks, and emergency social services continue to be offered.

The City of Cambridge says programs at indoor facilities will open for pre-registration the week of July 26. Indoor, non-ice facilities will be available for booking starting Sept 7.

People should expect to answer screening questions when entering facilities.

As well, Langs walking track in Cambridge will open with limited hours.

In Wilmot township, the indoor walking track, ice rinks, community centre, meeting rooms and park pavilions will remain closed at this time.

It's hot. Can I go for a swim?

Outdoor pools, splash pads, spray pads, whirlpools, wading pools and water slides were able to open under Step 2. Now, indoor pools can open with a limited capacity of 50 per cent.

Waterparks and amusement parks are allowed to operate at 50 per cent capacity inside and 75 per cent capacity outside, including on rides.

The City of Cambridge notes indoor pools will open on a modified schedule at WG Johnson and John Dolson Pool starting July 26.

The Wilmot Recreation Centre will reopen for registered aquatic classes, as well as lane and family swims, on July 26.

In Guelph, drop-in swims at the Victoria Road Recreation Centre and West End Community Centre begin July 26. Swimming lessons will resume in the fall with registration expected to take place Sept. 8.

What about parks? Any restrictions there?

Parks and playgrounds are open, as are sports fields.

In Guelph, the carousel and train at Riverside Park will remain closed for the season "due to the cost involved in making the rides compliant with provincial regulations," the city said.

Can I send my children to camp?

Yes, both day camps and overnight camps are permitted to be open. They must follow specific guidance from Ontario's chief medical officer of health.

I need a haircut. Are salons open? What about other personal care services?

People were able to get a haircut under Step 2 and that continues in Step 3.

As well, any services that require a person's face covering to be removed, such as a shave, are now permitted.

Capacity limits are based on the size of the business and ensuring physical distancing can be maintained.

I want to hit up a museum or art gallery. Is that allowed?

Yes, museums and art galleries can open. There is a 50 per cent capacity limit for indoor ticketed areas and 75 per cent for outdoor events.

This also includes zoos, landmarks, historic sites and botanical gardens.

The Old Post Office digital light projection show in Cambridge resumed Thursday evening.

There are some exceptions:

• David Durward Centre and Cambridge Centre for the Arts will be open Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.
• Castle Kilbride in Baden will reopen July 21.
• Guelph Civic Museum will reopen July 27.
• The City of Waterloo Museum in Conestoga Mall will reopen Aug. 3.
• The Fashion History Museum in Cambridge is undergoing renovations and plans to open this fall.
• McDougall Cottage in Cambridge will remain closed.

Can I go to an event with a tour guide?

Yes, tour guide services are permitted both inside and outside with capacity limited to ensuring people can keep a physical distance.

What about going to a movie?

Yes, indoor movie theatres can open. So can concert spaces, theatres and other performing arts venues with capacity limits of 50 per cent or 1,000 people, whichever is less.

Outdoor movie theatres, concerts, theatrical performances and other performing arts can also operate with 75 per cent capacity or 5,000 people for unseated events or up to 15,000 people for seated events, whichever is less.

Can strip clubs be open?

Yes. Under Step 2, strip clubs could only operate as a restaurant, but now they can operate as a strip club with capacity limited to the size of the facility and the ability to ensure physical distancing of two metres.

I need to hold a meeting. Can I do that in person now?

Yes, indoor meeting and event spaces are allowed to open at 50 per cent capacity or 1,000 people, whichever is less.

Outside meetings are also allowed at 75 per cent capacity or 5,000 people, whichever is less.

I'd like to visit a casino, speedway or a horse race. Are they open?

Yes, casinos, bingo halls, gaming establishments, horse racing, motorsports and speedways can open at 50 per cent capacity. For horse racing, spectators can be inside at 50 per cent capacity or 1,000 people, whichever is less.

Outdoor, for unseated events, spectator capacity limits are set at 75 per cent or 5,000 people, whichever is less. For fixed seating events, spectator capacity limits are 75 per cent or 15,000 people, whichever is less.

I need to stay somewhere overnight. What is allowed?

Short-term rentals like cabins and cottages or Airbnbs, as well as hotel and motels, can be open and facilities like indoor pools, indoor fitness centres and other indoor recreational facilities can also be open.

I want to sell my place. Can I host an open house?

Yes. In the previous steps, people could view homes by appointment only. Under Step 3, open houses are permitted, but the number of people inside a house is based on ensuring physical distancing is maintained.