COVID-19 Update: Rules Change at City Facilities as Province Begins Next Phase of Easing Public Health Restrictions

Effective today, March 1, the Province is making its next round of changes to ease public health measures across Ontario, including removing proof of vaccination requirements and capacity limits in all indoor settings. Those same measures have now been lifted in City of Greater Sudbury facilities.

“As we see public health measures easing, many of us feel like we are starting to see the light at the end of a very long tunnel. This is the next step toward better days ahead,” said Greater Sudbury Mayor Brian Bigger. “But remember that some people may be feeling a bit more nervous about this next phase, so let’s all do our best to be kind and patient with each other. Be respectful of businesses that may decide to keep vaccination requirements in place awhile longer. Continue to wear your mask and follow other practical health measures to keep us going down the right path.”

Indoor Leisure Facilities

Arenas, pools and fitness centres are operating at full capacity. Visitors to pools and fitness centres may continue to book reservations (one-hour time slots) in advance, but walk-ins are also permitted. Masks are required in all facilities when not actively engaged in an activity. Residents are asked to remain masked for as long as possible before engaging in their activity.

The pool area at Howard Armstrong Recreation Centre is temporarily limited to 50 people while updates to the HVAC system are underway. The rest of the building is operating at full capacity.

While the City no longer requires proof of vaccination, some permit holders or groups with leases may choose to maintain these requirements, and will be responsible for checking proof of vaccination for their participants. Users should check with their specific group to confirm.

Pools and fitness centres may continue to experience service interruptions and/or modified hours, due to staff being redeployed to assist at Pioneer Manor. Before heading to a facility, users should call the facility, contact 311, or visit www.greatersudbury.ca/play/pools or www.greatersudbury.ca/play/fitness-centres to ensure it is open. In the event of a program cancellation, staff will contact participants directly.

Carmichael Arena remains in use as a vaccination clinic. For more information, visit www.greatersudbury.ca/play/arenas. 

Cemetery Services

There is no capacity limit for indoor or outdoor funerals and interment services. Masks are required for all guests and staff.

Libraries and Citizen Service Centres

Libraries and Citizen Service Centres are now open for regular in-branch services, including browsing of collections, printing, scanning, photocopy services, computer access (two hours per person, per day), municipal services, access to washrooms and a place to warm up. Programming will continue to be offered virtually at this time.

Residents who require Citizen Service Centre municipal services such as marriage licensing and cemetery services are asked to call ahead to make an appointment. For more information, visit www.sudburylibraries.ca/covid-19-update.

Tom Davies Square

Services at Tom Davies Square currently remain available by appointment. Contact 311 by phone or Live Web Chat (311.greatersudbury.ca) to make an appointment or discuss alternate service. Many services are available by telephone or through the Customer Service Portal.

Tom Davies Square is scheduled to reopen for walk-in service in mid-March, as more employees re-establish in-office work routines. More details will be provided in the coming days.

Animal Shelter

The Greater Sudbury Animal Shelter continues to accept visitors for animal adoption or surrender by appointment only. Contact 311 to make an appointment.

Other Reminders

• While the Province has lifted proof of vaccination requirements for all settings at this time, businesses and other settings may choose to continue to require proof of vaccination.

• Continue to follow basic but important measures to prevent the spread of illness. Wash your hands often, wear a mask or face covering, cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue or your sleeve and stay home if you feel sick.
• To ensure maximum protection against COVID-19 and the variants, anyone who is eligible should complete their vaccination series as soon as possible. For vaccine clinic information, visit www.phsd.ca/health-topics-programs/vaccines-immunizations/coronavirus-covid-19-vaccine/upcoming-vaccination-clinics-for-specific-priority-groups.

For questions about how provincial and/or local rules and regulations affect City programs and services, please contact 311 by phone or Live Web Chat (311.greatersudbury.ca).

For COVID-19 updates and information related to City services, visit www.greatersudbury.ca/covid or find us on Facebook and Twitter.

For the most up-to-date local information on COVID-19, visit the Public Health Sudbury & Districts website at www.phsd.ca/coronavirus.