What can open, what remains closed in Waterloo region and Guelph under step 1 of reopening

As of 12:01 a.m. Friday, Waterloo region, Guelph and the rest of the province entered step one of the province's three-step reopening plan.

Here's what you need to know about the reopening plans.

Can I get together with friends and/or family?

Outdoor gatherings of up to 10 people are allowed. But note: Indoor visits are not permitted until step two.

Can I go shopping?

Yes. Essential retail can open at 25 per cent capacity while non-essential retail can be open at 15 per cent capacity. There will be no more restrictions on categories of goods, so grocery stores can sell clothing if they stock it.

Malls are closed. Retail stores located within malls are closed unless the stores have a street-facing entrance.

Can restaurants and bars open?

Yes, they can have outdoor dining on patios. There is a limit of four people per table. Takeout and delivery is also still allowed.

There is no indoor dining permitted yet.

Downtown Kitchener has seen a number of patios constructed in the downtown core.

In Cambridge beginning on Monday, portions of Queen Street E. in Hespeler and Main Street in Galt will be closed to vehicle traffic, the city says, "to support local businesses and encourage a safe pedestrian atmosphere this summer."

• In Galt, Main Street will be closed every day beginning Monday, June 14 until Oct. 1.
• In Hespeler, the closures on Queen Street E. are Saturdays only from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. starting June 19.

In Guelph, the intersection of Wyndham and Macdonnell streets in the downtown core will be closed on weekends — Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays — until Sept. 6.

Can I get a haircut?

Not yet. Personal care services, including hair cuts and beauty care, won't be permitted to open until step two. At that point, services where a face covering is worn for the duration of the procedure will be allowed. 

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

Outdoor pools and wading pools are allowed to be open with capacity limits. People are reminded to wear a mask and keep a physical distance while waiting in line to enter the pool.

• In Cambridge, George Hancock, Ed Newland and Kinsmen Soper Park Pool will all open on Friday.
• In Kitchener, Harris Class, Kiwanis Park, Idlewood and Wilson outdoor pools will all open on Monday. People are advised they should book a time slot through the city's website.
• In Waterloo, Moses Springer pool will open Saturday. Pre-registration through the Active Waterloo website is encouraged.
• In Guelph, Lyon pool and outdoor wading pools including the one in Market Square in front of city call, will open June 19.

Splash pads are also open in Waterloo region. Guelph's splash pads will open Saturday.

Outdoor waterparks and amusement parks, however, won't open until step two.

Indoor pools are also not open yet.

What's open at the park?

Playgrounds are open. So are sports fields for exercise, but not for team practices. Also open are basketball courts, tennis courts and pickle ball courts as well as skate parks.

Public washrooms are open.

Picnic areas are also open with a maximum of four people per table.

In Waterloo: outdoor soccer and cricket fields, ball diamonds and picnic shelters can be booked starting on Monday. 

What about community centres?

They are closed for public use right now.

In Kitchener, some community centres are open for emergency social services, such as food distribution, public access computers and addiction support.

Oh! Can I get a book from the library?

Libraries are not permitted to open for in-person service during step one, but curbside pickup is available.

Can I go see a movie?

Indoor theatres are not permitted to open yet, but drive-ins can. 

On The Grand Drive-in at Bingemans in Kitchener and Mustang Drive-in near Guelph will both open on Friday.

Can I go to a fitness class?

If it's held outside, yes. Outdoor fitness classes, personal training and sports training up to 10 people are permitted with people keeping a three metre distance from others.

Sports games and practices are not currently permitted.

Can I visit city hall?

Yes, but there are some restrictions.

• In Cambridge, the Service Cambridge desk on the first floor will reopen on Monday. The city asks people to conduct as much municipal-related business online or by phone as possible.
• In Kitchener, starting Friday, people can book an appointment for some in-person services and those appointments will begin Monday.
• In Waterloo, city hall is open on a limited basis with services available by appointment. Call the city department you need to speak with to book an appointment.
• In Wilmot, the administration complex will open for in-person appointments and drop-ins on Monday.
• In North Dumfries, the township municipal office, located inside the North Dumfries Community Complex, will open for in-person appointments and drop-ins on Monday.
• In Guelph, the ServiceGuelph desk is open weekdays, but people are encouraged not to enter the building and instead use the mail slot at the front of city hall or online services. Marriage licenses are issued by appointment only.

Any changes I should know about at the Kitchener Market?

The market has been open throughout the third wave, but on Saturday, the plaza will be open with seating available for dining. Just four people per table are permitted, with exceptions for larger households.

What about weddings and church services?

Yes. Indoor religious services and ceremonies, like weddings and funerals, can go ahead with 15 per cent capacity of the room.

Outside, religious services and ceremonies are also allowed. There's no specific cap on the number of people, but it depends on the space and ensuring people can maintain two metres distance from others not in their household.

Can I visit an outdoor landmark, historic site, botanical garden or zoo?

Yes, although they must limit capacity to 15 per cent for ticketed areas.

Can I go to a museum?

Not yet.

Can I go see a car or horse race?

No. While horse racing and motor speedways can be open, they can't have spectators yet.

Can my kid go to day camp?

Yes, day camps can operate.

Can I go camping?

Yes, overnight camping is allowed at all campgrounds, including Ontario Parks. Don't forget the marshmallows, chocolate and graham crackers for some s'mores.

This is great. When do we enter step two?

There is currently no date for step two. The provincial government says Ontario must remain in step one for at least 21 days. That would mean step two could potentially begin on July 2.

The province says it will move to step two if 70 per cent of adults have at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and 20 per cent have two doses and if there are "positive trends in public health and health system indicators."