Ministry Guidance and Regulations
Ontario’s Roadmap to Reopen is a three-step plan to safely and gradually lift public health measures.
For an overview of rules in each step, visit the Roadmap.
- Rules for Step 1 - Ontario Regulation 82/20
- Rules for Step 2 - Ontario Regulation 263/20
- Rules for Step 3 - Ontario Regulation 364/20
- COVID-19 public health measures and advice
- Ontario Newsroom
WDGPH Guidance Document
- WDGPH COVID-19 Guidance for Recreational Water Facilities [updated July 22, 2020]
- WDGPH COVID-19 Guidance for Beaches
Swimming Pools, Spas or Hot Tubs, Splash Pads, and Wading Pools
All indoor and outdoor swimming pools, spas/hot tubs, splash pads, and wading pools may open to the public with restrictions.
- This includes public pools as well as pools situated in hotels, motels, condo parks, resorts and other private facilities.
- Waterparks, saunas, steam rooms and bathhouses are not yet permitted to reopen.
- Change rooms and showers will be available to the public if operators can adequately sanitize and disinfect the facilities.
- Workplaces, community spaces and events that pose the highest risk, such as amusement parks and waterparks will reopen at a later date.
Persons in the place of business shall maintain physical distancing of at least two metres from each other at all times by:
- Reducing resting areas and pool capacity.
- Limiting and distancing pool-side seating.
- Timed entry (e.g., appointment only).
- Equipment rented or loaned must be disinfected or quarantined appropriately between uses.
- Aquatic activities such as fitness classes and swim lessons must be in line with physical distancing measures. For example, only other household members can assist swimmers with physical contact.
The Ontario Government and health and safety associations have released sector specific safety guidance documents and posters to assist with planning and preparing for re-opening safely and to help prevent COVID-19 in the workplace. Please thoroughly review these workplace resources for information applicable to your business. Please also continue to ensure compliance with Ontario Regulation 565 Public Pools.
Resources
- Guide to Reopening Pools and Waterfronts (Lifesaving Society)
In the Workplace
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Putting on and taking off PPE handout
- Workplace PPE Supplier Directory for an up-to-date list of Ontario companies and business associations that supply PPE
Cleaning and Disinfection for Public areas
- Public Health Ontario - Cleaning and disinfection for public settings
- Public Health Agency of Canada - Cleaning and disinfecting public spaces during COVID-19
- Health Canada - Hard surface disinfectants and hand sanitizers
Inspection
As directed by the Chief Medical Officer of Health, public pools and spas/hot tubs require a re-opening inspection before being permitted to open. Splash pads and wading pools do not require a re-opening inspection and are permitted to open on May 22, 2021 at 12:01am, once the minimum precautions and plans are in place that meet the requirements provided in the information and resources listed above.
Once your public pool or spa/hot tub is ready for an opening inspection, please complete this Recreational Water Facility Opening Notification Form and submit to PHI.Intake@wdgpublichealth.ca.
Please also be aware that Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health is unable to review individual business COVID-19 reopening plans.
If, after reviewing the resources available, you have additional questions, you can contact a public health inspector at 519-822-2715 extension 4753 or PHI.Intake@wdgpublichealth.ca.