Simcoe Muskoka businesses reopen after 3 week shutdown
For the first time in nearly a month, restaurants, gyms, movie theatres, and more welcomed customers back indoors Monday, with many owners optimistic about what's ahead.
"We're just so excited," said Rosanne Hartwick, owner of Orangetheory Fitness in Barrie.
Even with capacity capped at 50 per cent for indoor facilities, Hartwick said after struggling the last few weeks, the turnout was "phenomenal."
"We had them lined up outside as they were coming in. They were skipping in."
Indoor dining at restaurants, fitness centres and cinemas were shuttered on Jan. 5 due to record COVID-19 infections across the province.
Proof of vaccination status is required at all indoor facilities with a QR code. The old vaccine certificates won't cut it anymore.
Gateway Casinos is pleased to welcome back patrons despite the capacity limits and vaccine requirements.
"What's really critical for us that previously wasn't allowed is that we have the centre bar open on the gaming floor. So basically, the entire premises is now licenced," said Gateway spokesperson Robert Mitchell.
And Barrie Colts fans can get back to doing what they love - cheering on their favourite team from the stands.
"It's kind of surreal, the building's pretty empty," said Colts President Howie Campbell.
On Thursday, the Colts will take on the Frontenacs in front of 500 season ticket holders and billet families.
Campbell hopes every seat will be filled with fans by March when the team makes a playoff push.
"People are looking for a good night out, and at the end of the day, the more people we can have in here, the more people get out, the more life gets back to normal."
OTHER RESTRICTIONS LIFTED ON JAN. 31
Indoor social gatherings are capped at 10, with outdoor gatherings limited to 25.
Reopening with 50 per cent capacity limits:
- Retailers, including shopping malls
- Meeting rooms and event spaces
- Recreational amenities, including amusement and water parks
- Museums, galleries, zoos and similar attractions
- Indoor religious services, rites or ceremonies
The province plans to lift more restrictions in 21 days, on Feb. 21, if positive COVID-19 trends continue.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
India's foreign minister reacts to murder charges, claims Canada welcomes criminals
India's Foreign Affairs Minister accused Canada of welcoming criminals from his country in response to the RCMP's recent arrests in a homicide that has roiled tensions between the two countries.
15-year-old boy stabbed in Ottawa on Thursday dies
A 15-year old boy who was critically injured after a stabbing in Nepean on Thursday has died of his injuries, Ottawa's English public school board said Sunday.
Dash cam catches moment suspected drunk driver hits parked car, sends it careening into North Shore flower shop
Police say it’s fortunate no one was injured or killed in a collision at North Vancouver’s Park and Tilford shopping centre Saturday evening that sent one vehicle careening into a flower shop and another into a set of concrete barriers outside a Winners store.
Actor Bernard Hill, of 'Titanic' and 'Lord of the Rings,' has died at 79
Actor Bernard Hill, who delivered a rousing cry before leading his people into battle in 'The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King' and went down with the ship as the captain in 'Titanic,' has died.
'A tiny city:' Pro-Palestinian campus protesters organize for another week
Pro-Palestinian activists have set up tents at universities in Toronto, Ottawa, Vancouver and Montreal, following a wave of similar protests at campuses in the United States linked to the Israel-Hamas war.
Lawsuit against Meta asks if Facebook users have right to control their feeds using external tools
Do social media users have the right to control what they see — or don't see — on their feeds?
A Holocaust survivor will mark that history differently after the horrors of Oct. 7
This year's Holocaust Remembrance Day, which begins on Sunday evening in Israel, carries a heavier weight than usual for many Jews around the world.
Princess Anne lays wreath at Battle of Atlantic ceremony; honours late Queen
Princess Anne saluted Canadian veterans and current forces members and honoured her late mother during separate ceremonies Sunday in Victoria as she wrapped up a three-day British Columbia West Coast royal visit.
El Nino weakening doesn't mean cooler temperatures this summer, forecasters say
As Canadians brace themselves for summer temperatures, forecasters say a weakening El Nino cycle doesn’t mean relief from the heat.