'It's a reasonable ask:' Fitness centres push to be included in Step 2 of reopening
Ontario is expected to enter Step 2 of its reopening plan on July 2.
Non-essential retailers can expand to 25 per cent capacity, personal care services can open the doors, and large indoor religious services or ceremonies can resume.
But under the province's Step 2 reopening plan, indoor fitness centres can't welcome back clients, frustrating business owners and fitness enthusiasts alike.
Fitness centres have to hold off reopening until Ontario enters Step 3.
Barrie resident Katie Schmidt says her mental and physical well-being have been impacted with gyms being shuttered for months.
"The gym is my outlet," Schmidt says. "It's where I channel all that stress and anxiety and depression."
Staff and members at GoodLife have requested that the province allow the fitness facilities to open in Step 2 rather than waiting for Step 3.
"This affects tens of thousands of people who work in our industry and millions of people who are working out in various clubs across the province," says Jane Riddell of GoodLife. "It's a reasonable ask."
GoodLife wants to open at 25 per cent capacity with mask requirements, physical distancing and cleaning protocols in place.
The fitness facility attributes a successful vaccination rollout, and a decline in COVID-19 case counts as reasons for the change.
After sending several request proposals, the company says it is optimistic its request will be granted.
Local health officials are proceeding with caution.
"I do ask them to hang in there and see how the province does in the second stage," says Dr. Colin Lee of the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit.
MPP Doug Downey says he understands the frustration but emphasizes relying on advice from medical health officials.
"I know that we are so close to coming out of the pandemic," Downey says. "There has to be discussions with the chief medical officer of health and the public health units."
On Tuesday, it was announced that Ontario would be able to enter Step 3 weeks ahead of schedule after meeting vaccination targets.
Under Step 3, indoor activities such as dining, sports, casinos, events and gatherings would be allowed.
With files from Amanda Hicks
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.
LeBlanc says he plans to run in next election, under Trudeau's leadership
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc says he plans to run in the next election as a candidate under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership, amid questions about his rumoured interest in succeeding his longtime friend for the top job.