Vaccination Requirements for City Facilities
The City of Vaughan is preparing to welcome more people through the doors of its community centres following the Ontario government’s Friday, Oct. 22, 2021 release of A Plan to Safely Reopen Ontario and Manage COVID-19 for the Long-Term, which outlines the Province’s gradual approach to lifting remaining COVID-19 public health and workplace safety measures by March 2022.
On Monday, Oct. 25, 2021, Ontario lifted capacity limits in the vast majority of settings where proof of vaccination is required, such as restaurants, bars and other food or drink establishments; indoor areas of sports and recreational facilities such as gyms and where personal physical fitness trainers provide instruction; casinos, bingo halls and other gaming establishments; and indoor meeting and event spaces. Limits have also been lifted in certain outdoor settings.
The City continues to work with all levels of government to ensure the safety and well-being of citizens, businesses and City staff. As a follow up to the Province of Ontario’s guidance on proof of vaccination as well as York Region’s, the City is adhering to their direction on vaccine requirements for the indoor area of a City facility where organized sports are played and/or practiced.
The City is following the Provincial regulation and guidance around exemptions as well as York Region’s direction. If you have a concern, please contact vaccination@vaughan.ca. Inquiries about York Region’s instructions should be directed to York Region Public Health at yr.corporate.communications@york.ca.
What this means for community centre users
This direction from the Provincial government means the City is able to allow more patrons to enter its recreational facilities and can remove social distancing and time restriction requirements. While these changes are being operationalized – including hiring additional staff to support this increased usage – please remember that pre-registration is still required at this time for all community centre activities, including recreational and length swims, aquafitness classes, recreational sports, skating and shinny hockey and fitness classes. Vaughan Fitness Centres have a new, digital scan-in process for members. Pre-registration to workout is no longer required. For more information, visit vaughan.ca/recreation.
Individuals aged 12 and older, including parents/guardians spectating, are required to provide proof that they are fully vaccinated and have received their final dose of a COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days prior to entering a City facility, unless the individual qualifies for an exemption. The enhanced vaccine certificate with an official QR code and the free Verify Ontario app are now available for download, making it easier, more secure and convenient for individuals to provide proof of vaccination where required to do so.
Masks are mandatory when entering, exiting and travelling throughout the facility, and while watching and/or waiting for participants in programs. Masks must be worn while participating in programs, except during physical activity. Masks must be worn in the fitness centre, except while working out.
Check-in process upon arrival
There will be one designated entrance at each community centre for check-in (please refer to directional signage on-site). City staff will greet you at the entrance. You will be required to provide proof of identification and vaccination to City staff. If attending a program, tell staff which program you/your child is entering.
If your child is registered for a program and you are unable to enter the facility due to vaccination status, City staff will meet your child at the entrance and walk them to their program room. Please be prepared to provide identification when picking up your child at the same location as drop-off.
It is recommended you arrive approximately 15 minutes before your program or fitness class starts to allow for check-in time.
We ask our patrons to please be patient as we adhere to this new Provincial regulation and York Region direction. Our front-line employees are doing their best to make this check-in as seamless as possible.
Exemptions
The City will be following the Provincial and Regional regulation in regard to exemptions to proof of vaccination requirements. If you have a concern about the regulations, please contact vaccination@vaughan.ca.
Proof of vaccination exemptions apply to:
- Children under the age of 12
- Individuals with a medical exemption
Individuals with a medical exemption are required to present identification and appropriate written documentation from a medical doctor or registered nurse stating the individual is exempt for a medical reason and the time period for the medical reason.
The City continues to adhere to Provincial direction. Details are available in the Ontario Regulation 645/21 “Reopening Ontario Act, 2020” available for download or print.
Individuals can withdraw online from their recreation program without penalty.
To withdraw, visit your online registration account at vaughan.perfectmind.com and follow these steps:
- Click ‘My Info’
- Scroll down to schedules
- Switch ‘Calendar View’ to ‘List View’
- Click ‘Actions’ and ‘Withdraw’
- Select refund method (a full credit/refund will be issued without penalty)
If you require assistance with a withdrawal or are not satisfied after attending the first class, email RecCSD@vaughan.ca for a full refund or credit.
Any additional questions or concerns can be addressed by Access Vaughan at 905-832-2281 or accessvaughan@vaughan.ca.
Those who feel unwell and believe they have symptoms related to COVID-19 should contact York Region Public Health at 1-800-361-5653 or Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000. For additional information and resources on the virus, visit York Region's website at york.ca/COVID19.
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