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Today, the City of Kitchener learned that we will be joining the rest of the province in Step 2 of Ontario's Roadmap to Reopen plan beginning at 12:01 a.m. on Monday, July 12.   

For Kitchener residents, this means beginning Monday, outdoor social gatherings and organized public events are allowed with up to 25 people. Indoor social gatherings and organized public events are allowed up to five people. Essential retail is allowed at 50 per cent capacity and non-essential retail is allowed at 25 per cent capacity. Outdoor dining is also allowed with up to six people per table with exceptions for large households. 

“With the move to Step 2 comes renewed hope for a better summer and a gradual return to a cautious and safe, new normal. So many have awaited this next step, after struggling over the past 16 months, dealing with separation from friends and loved ones, cancelled events, sports, weddings and funerals, and in many cases, lost jobs and financial hardship,” said Mayor Berry Vrbanovic. “I want to thank everyone for their sacrifices, for following public health guidelines and stepping up to get vaccinated, especially since the start of the April lockdown. As we continue to open back up in the days and weeks ahead, I encourage all of you to support our Kitchener businesses as much as possible: Make It Kitchener and choose to buy local and eat local by enjoying the great patios across Kitchener.” 

Moving to Step 2 will have the following impacts to city programs and services: 
 
Kitchener Market  

  • Kitchener Market food and non-essential vendors will open with increased capacity, and outdoor dining will now be available for up to six people per table. The market will also be available for outdoor rentals. For more information, visit www.kitchenermarket.ca  

Wedding ceremonies and receptions 

  • Indoor wedding ceremonies at Victoria Park Pavilion and Williamsburg are allowed at 25 per cent of room capacity, and outdoor ceremonies are permitted with a capacity limited to the number of people that can maintain a physical distance of two metres. Indoor receptions are not permitted at City facilities in Step 2. 

  • Outdoor receptions are permitted at 25 per cent capacity in meeting or event spaces and up to 25 people for all other social gatherings. 

  • For more information, visit www.kitchener.ca/wedding  

Kitchener cemeteries  

  • Outdoor funeral services at cemeteries are permitted with up to 75 people graveside and 25 per cent capacity of a particular room indoors. For more information, visit www.kitchenercemeteries.ca

Outdoor recreation 

  • City sports fields, diamonds and lawn game courts will open for league play without contact or modified to eliminate contact, with spectators at 25 per cent capacity of the usual seating capacity. 

  • Outdoor fitness classes are capped at the number of people who can maintain physical distancing. 

City community centres remain open for summer camps, outdoor fitness classes, youth programming, mobile skate parks, and emergency social services such as COVID-19 testing and vaccine clinics, food distribution, public access computers and addiction support. Splash pads, parks and outdoor city pools remain open. For more information on outdoor pools, visit www.kitchener.ca/outdoorpools

With outdoor pre-registered events permitted with a maximum capacity of 25 per cent in Step 2, city staff are planning some summer events and expect to have more details soon. 

Kitchener City Hall continues to be open for in-person counter service. Appointments are strongly encouraged. To book an appointment visit www.kitchener.ca/bookappointment

 

For more information on impacts to city programs and services visit www.kitchener.ca/COVID19, and for details on Ontario’s Roadmap to Reopen visit www.ontario.ca/page/reopening-ontario  

For more information: 

Shawn Falcao 
Manager, Corporate Communications 
shawn.falcao@kitchener.ca