News

WHAT’S HAPPENING

In addition to all the amazing sales and promotions available in store and online, there are some great markets, workshops and events happening over the weekend. Be sure to check out what’s available on each day.

 

HAPPENING NOVEMBER 20 & 21

Sips & Bites Tour
Don’t miss out on the self-guided Sips & Bites Passport Tour at our participating restaurants and food & drink purveyors. Dine-in or Take-out and try menu specials and local craft beer, wine or a specialty cocktail created just for the day. Hours of the participating locations will vary. The Passports can be downloaded here or picked up at the Chamber of Commerce & Ball Real Estate & participating businesses. 

Craft & Vendor Markets

Saturday: 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Sunday: 10:00 am to 3:00 pm

Mingle & Jingle Gallery of Gifts
The Boyd Heritage Museum
21 Canal St., Bobcaygeon
Enjoy the work of local artists & crafters selling amazing handmade items for the holidays!

Mini Farmers' Market
Fairboard Office Building at The Fairgrounds
47 Mansfield St, Bobcaygeon
Shop local for the holidays with an amazing selection of market vendors. 

Local Makers Market & Kids Holiday Crafts
Buckeye Marine
3396 County Rd 36, Bobcaygeon
Head up to Buckeye Marine for tons of local makers, and don’t forget to bring the family for the kids’ holiday crafts! Outdoor photos with Santa on Saturday 11am to 2pm.

Saturday & Sunday: 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Rapley Fields Art Studio Open House
Featuring original paintings by Kelly Whyte
459 Ranch Road North, Bobcaygeon

Visit the studio and see Kelly’s original oil paintings while enjoying the campfire, hot chocolate and cider. A painting can make a room come alive! A gift that makes a lasting impression.

 

HAPPENING NOVEMBER 20TH   

10:00 am
Cottage Paint Workshop  
Town & Country Decorating
50 Anne St., Bobcaygeon
Please join us in our showroom for a holiday themed workshop using our line of Cottage Paint, a versatile project paint perfect for DIY projects for decor and beyond. $20 Fee. Pre-registration required.  Call 705-738-5477

10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Open House at Trentside
Trentside Baptist Church
25 King St. West, Bobcaygeon
Celebrate the holiday season with a Live Nativity, Local Artist Gallery, Door Prizes, Hot Drinks, Kids Crafts, Live music on piano.

 

10:00 am to 4:00 pm
The Christmas Craft & Bake Sale

Bobcaygeon Lions Club
55 Main St, Bobcaygeon
Featuring local baked goods and crafts

 

Spoon Carving Workshop
Gamiing Nature Centre

1884 Pigeon Lake Road, Lindsay 

5:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Kawartha Settlers’ Village Festival of Trees Drive Through

85 Dunn Street, Bobcaygeon
See Kawartha Settlers & Village transformed with beautiful lights, decorated Christmas Trees and gorgeous holiday displays. Safely drive through and take in the splendor of lit up decor in an old-fashioned setting. Happening Nov. 11- 20th $20 per car. For all details including additional dates go to https://www.kawarthalakesfestivaloftrees.com/

 

5:30 pm to 6:00 pm
Christmas Tree Lighting & Caroling Ceremony
Lock 32 Trent Severn Property (across from Buckeye Surf)

Join us at the Locks as we light up the tree and sing a few Christmas Carols to kick of the Holiday season in Bobcaygeon.

 

HAPPENING SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 21

10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Christmas Holiday Market
Royal Canadian Legion
96 King St. East, Bobcaygeon
Join 16 crafters and small business owners in Bobcaygeon as you prepare for the holiday season. Shop local and come away with some unique gifts for family and friends or even yourself.

 

WHERE TO SHOP 

Bobcaygeon Flower Company
47 William St., Bobcaygeon

Saturday November 20th, 9am to 5pm
Receive 15% off any plant or flower order (in-store only) on discount code MINGLE2021

Bobcaygeon Home Hardware
9 Joseph Street, Bobcaygeon

The "Home for the Seasons" front room is ready for Christmas and features beautiful Christmas decorations and home decor. A selection of beautiful succulents, planters and small pine trees/shrubs are available.  as well as planters. Bring a donation for the Bobcaygeon Helps Food Bank or a toy for the Kinsman Toy Drive Barrel.  

Buckeye Surf
12 Bolton Street, Bobcaygeon
Draw for your discount at point of purchase on all clothing/accessories/ stocking stuffers. Discounts from 10-50% off (discount applies to regular price items, some exclusions apply).
Cider to be served in store Saturday afternoon.

Cake by the Lake
1 Main Street, Bobcaygeon
Saturday, November 20, 11am to 4 pm$5 cheesecake slices (Christmas flavours). No tax on our mini cheesecakes. Enter to win a medium sized cheesecake

Caygeon Takeout
36 King Street East, BobcaygeonCrystals, rocks & minerals. We will have tumbles, earth stones, wands, towers and points. Come check out our special selection for Christmas shopping!

Docks
7 King St. East, Bobcaygeon
10% selected merchandise during the event

Douglas + Son
68 Bolton Street

Granny Birds
5 King Street East, Bobcaygeon
OPEN Saturday & Sunday 10am to 4pm.
Customers can always shop our online store at www.grannybirdswoolshoppe.ca
15% OFF storewide (in-store)
15% OFF sitewide (online) with code MINGLEJINGLE15

Grilled Cheese Hideaway
33 King St. East, Bobcaygeon
$25 Gift Card for $20

Kawartha Lifestyle
54-52 Bolton Street
Draw for your Discount from a Santa Hat on all regular priced items, discount ranging from 10-50%. Cider to be served Saturday afternoon.

 

Kicking Cowgirl Designs
73A Bolton St., Bobcaygeon
15% off when you spend $150.00 or more

London Trading
3 King St E, Bobcaygeon
Open Saturday & Sunday 10am-5pm

My Favourite Things Home Decor & Gifts
10 King St. East, Bobcaygeon Saturday 10 am-5pm & Sunday 11am-3pm Save 15% on in store purchases of regular priced items when you spend over $20 and save 20% when you spend over $100 before tax.

North 65
65 Bolton St., Bobcaygeon
Saturday 10am to 5pm, Sunday 11am to 4pm
Shop our ‘Save the Tax’ Event

Pawz’N’Clawz
34 King St., Bobcaygeon
25% Off all dog & cat Christmas toys

The Gallery
44 Main St., Bobcaygeon
Saturday & Sunday 10am-5pm
Buy 1 Get 1 half off (second item of lesser or same value)
Offer applies to all home decor, pottery, succulents, clothing, jewelry, accessories and boots! Much, much more available!

The Green Treefrog
42B Bolton St., Bobcaygeon
10% off for Mingle & Jingle

Thompson’s Ladies Wear
56 Bolton St., Bobcaygeon
Free gift with any purchase over $50 and be entered into a draw for some great prizes. (Value approx. $100!) Giveaways include 2 pairs of FRENCH DRESSING JEANS, gift certificates to buy TRIBAL clothing in-store and a fun gift basket with useful items every woman can enjoy!

ONLINE SHOPPING

Bearfoot + Battams Co

http://www.facebook.com/bearfootbattams

Shop Nov 21 - Nov 22 to be entered in our Mingle & Jingle Holiday Draw to WIN a Bearfoot + Battams mystery gift bag!

Briarwood & Bay
http://www.briarwoodandbay.com
Receive 15% off any order and free local delivery with code JINGLE2021

Color Street
Online at https://www.colorstreet.com/funnailswithpat
Buy 3 Get 1 FREE- Nail Strips, Holiday Collection

Love That Fragrance by Sherry
Online at http://Sherrybottan.Scentsy.ca
Wickless candles and home decor no tax

Old North Co.
Online at http://www.oldnorthco.com
20% off with coupon code for Mingle & Jingle

Scentsy, Lynn Ormiston

https://lynno.scentsy.ca
Special promotion on all things Scentsy

Silver Icing Clothing Boutique
https://www.silvericing.com/heathermcilmoyle
Online boutique, orders can be made online or by phone 250-261-0382
All orders placed with myself or online will be entered to win a FREE gift delivered to your door.

The Subtle Shift

https://thesubtleshift.ca/
221 Edwina Drive, Trent Lakes
Free mini Oracle Card reading with an energy session booked from November 20th to December 12th. Gift Certificates available.  Sessions available in-person or online.

Unique Gifts For All Occasions

http://www.uniquegiftsforalloccasions.com

Free Delivery to Bobcaygeon Customers until Nov 20, 2021

 

CRAFT & VENDOR MARKETS

SATURDAY: 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
SUNDAY: 10:00 am to 3:00 pm

 

Mingle & Jingle Gallery of Gifts

The Boyd Heritage Museum
21 Canal St., Bobcaygeon
Enjoy the work of local artists & crafters selling amazing handmade items for the holidays!

Mini Farmers' Market
Fairboard Office Building at The Fairgrounds
47 Mansfield St, Bobcaygeon
Shop local for the holidays with an amazing selection of market vendors.

Local Makers Market & Kids Holiday Crafts

Buckeye Marine
3396 County Rd 36, Bobcaygeon
Head up to Buckeye Marine for tons of local makers, and don’t forget to bring the family for the kids’ holiday crafts!

SATURDAY ONLY

Open House at Trentside

Trentside Baptist Church

25 King St. West, Bobcaygeon
10:00 am to 3:00 pm

Celebrate the holiday season with a Live Nativity, Local Artist Gallery, Door Prizes, Hot Drinks, Kids Crafts, Live music on piano.

The Christmas Craft & Bake Sale

Bobcaygeon Lions Club
10:00 am to 4:00 pm
55 Main St, Bobcaygeon
Featuring local baked goods and crafts

 

SUNDAY ONLY

Christmas Holiday Market

Royal Canadian Legion

10:00 am to 4:00 pm

96 King St. East, Bobcaygeon
Join 16 crafters and small business owners in Bobcaygeon as you prepare for the holiday season. Shop local and come away with some unique gifts for family and friends or even yourself.

 

 

SIPS & BITES

 

Bigley’s Cottage Kitchen
39 Bolton St., Bobcaygeon
$5 Coffee with a Soup Special

Cake by the Lake
1 Main Street, Bobcaygeon
Saturday – 11am to 4pm
$5 Cheesecake Slices
No tax on our mini cheesecakes
Enter to win a medium sized cheesecake

Globus Theatre Box Office
90A Bolton St., Bobcaygeon
$5 Sticky Toffee Pudding
$5 Candy Cane Cobbler

Grilled Cheese Hideaway
33 King St. East, Bobcaygeon
$5 Bowl of Tomato Soup
$25 Gift Certificate for $20

Just For The Halibut
17 King St. East, Bobcaygeon

Old Dog Brewing Company Inc.
30 King St. E., Bobcaygeon
$5 pint with presentation of a Sips 'n Bites passport

 

Globus Theatre Holds Auditions for Annual Panto, Mother Goose! 
 

Bobcaygeon, October 26, 2021 - Globus Theatre is excited to be bringing back their annual Panto! The theatre is holding auditions on November 2^nd and November 3rd and is calling for all talented (or purely enthusiastic!) young performers who would like to join the production of… 

Mother Goose: A Traditional British Panto 

  

Globus Theatre is looking for kids of all ages, so whether you know the perfect mischievous young performer or you fancy yourself as the goose, come and be a part of this magical experience! This is an opportunity for kids aged 6 and up to work alongside professional actors in a busy production and learn each step of taking the page to the stage. No experience is necessary!

"In re-introducing our annual Panto this year we're by no means saying that Covid is "behind us" (oh yes it is!, oh no it isn't! Etc.) ...but rather we want a way to bring the community together; give opportunities for kids to get on stage and allow families to get back to enjoying some festive traditions. The production will not be on such a vast scale as previous years, but it will be funny, high-energy and a great night out for the whole family!" Artistic Director, Sarah Quick.

Anybody of any age wishing to work backstage, paint scenery, build sets, find props, sew costumes, do make-up or take the stage will be most welcome! 

Those auditioning for performance roles are asked to prepare a two-minute monologue and be prepared to read from the script. Our School of Dramatic Arts students will be given priority when auditioning but all that sign up and give it a go will be considered for parts! 

Please email sarah@globustheatre.com or call 705-738-2037 to book a time. 

Kawartha Lakes – This August, Kawartha Lakes is conducting the inaugural Kawartha Lakes Business Count Survey in the downtowns and industrial areas across the municipality. This survey will help the municipality better understand and strengthen the local economy, as well as inform policies and programs.

“We’re excited to kick-off our first ever Business Count Survey in Kawartha Lakes,” said Rebecca Mustard, Manager of Economic Development. “We’re keen to hear from the businesses and would like to encourage them to take part. Their input is valuable and will help shape the future of our economy and community.”

In its inaugural year, the Business Count survey will be available online for all businesses in Kawartha Lakes to participate. This project is led by the City of Kawartha Lakes in partnership with the Bobcaygeon & Area Chamber of Commerce, Coboconk, Norland & Area Chamber of Commerce, Fenelon Falls & District Chamber of Commerce and the Lindsay & District Chamber of Commerce. A Summer Student team will be reaching out to businesses in several Kawartha Lakes downtowns and industrial areas. The survey is voluntary and collects information including the types of businesses, employment and floor space. A summary report will be published in Fall 2021.

The information collected through the Kawartha Lakes Business Count will:

• Provide a snapshot of the Kawartha Lakes economy
• Provide improved regional employment and workforce data
• Assist in making informed decisions related to job and economic growth
• Enhance communication channels between businesses and the municipality

The success of this important survey depends on the assistance and cooperation of the business community. For more details on the program and how to take part, please visit kawarthalakes.ca/businesscount.

The loveable Brit and audience favourite is back! Globus Theatre is excited to be continuing their 18^th summer season with one of Globus' all-time most popular shows, the memorable Shirley Valentine by Willy Russell, staring Artistic Director Sarah Quick. 42 year-old, working-class Liverpudlianhousewife Shirley is so bored with her life that she finds herself regularly talking to the wall. She dreams of drinking a glass of wine "in a country where the grape is grown" and, when she eventually embarks on her adventure and packs her bags for a fortnight in Greece…what she finds is a whole lot more!  

For those of you who remember the movie, or are fans of the theatrical version of Shirley Valentine which has been performed around the world, you won’t want to miss this show! As we come out of one of the world’s most difficult times, this comic tour-de-force will take the audience on an uplifting, poignant and ultimately heartwarming journey from the council houses of Liverpool to the sun-kissed beaches of Greece…with lots of wine along the way! This is a must see for anyone who has recently started talking to the wall!  

"Shirley Valentine was first performed on the Globus Theatre stage in 2013, and we were so excited to see so many audience members traveling from across the province to see the show! Earlier this year we did a survey as to what our audiences would like to see as we start to re-connect and lots of patrons voted this show as one of their most treasured moments at Globus Theatre. The consensus was that Sarah was the quintessential Shirley...it's a beautiful piece of theatre" James Barrett, Director.

 

There is still time to get your tickets! 

August 11 to 28 @ 6:00pm – Dinner and Show Tickets $77 

August 17 @ 8PM and August 19 @ 2PM – Show Tickets $39.50 

All prices subject to HST and a $2.00 per ticket fee. 

Tickets can now be booked by calling the box office: 705-738-2037 
 

TORONTO — With key public health and health care indicators continuing to improve and the provincewide vaccination rate surpassing the targets outlined in the province’s Roadmap to Reopen, in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health the Ontario government is moving the province into Step Three of the Roadmap to Reopen at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, July 16, 2021.

“Thanks to the tireless efforts of our frontline heroes, and the ongoing commitment of Ontarians to get vaccinated, we have surpassed the targets we set in order to enter Step Three of our Roadmap,” said Premier Doug Ford. “While this is welcome news for everyone who wants a return to normal, we will not slow down our efforts to fully vaccinate everyone who wants to be and put this pandemic behind us once and for all.”

In order to enter Step Three of the Roadmap, Ontario needed to have vaccinated 70 to 80 per cent of individuals 18 years of age or older with one dose and 25 per cent with two doses for at least two weeks, ensuring a stronger level of protection against COVID-19. Thanks to the dedicated efforts of Ontario’s health care partners, as of July 8, 2021, over 77 per cent of the population in Ontario ages 12 and over have received one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and over 50 per cent have received their second dose. More than 16.6 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been administered provincewide.

The province also needed to see continued improvement in other key public health and health care indicators, including hospitalizations, ICU occupancy and the weekly cases incidence rates. After entering Step Two, during the period of June 29 to July 5, 2021, the provincial case rate decreased by 23.3 per cent. As of July 8, the number of patients with COVID-19 in ICUs is 202, including three patients from Manitoba, as compared to 286 two weeks ago. The province expects these positive trends to continue over the coming days before entering Step Three.

“Ontario has continued to see improvements in key health indicators, allowing the province to move to Step Three of the Roadmap and safely resume more of the activities we’ve missed,” said Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “While this is exciting news, we most still remain vigilant and continue to follow the public health measure we know work and keep us safe. Vaccines remain our ticket out of the pandemic so if you haven’t booked your appointment yet, please do so today.”

Step Three of the Roadmap focuses on the resumption of additional indoor services with larger numbers of people and restrictions in place. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Outdoor social gatherings and organized public events with up to 100 people with limited exceptions;
• Indoor social gatherings and organized public events with up to 25 people;
• Indoor religious services, rites or ceremonies, including wedding services and funeral services permitted with physical distancing;
• Indoor dining permitted with no limits on the number of patrons per table with physical distancing and other restrictions still in effect;
• Indoor sports and recreational fitness facilities to open subject to a maximum 50 per cent capacity of the indoor space. Capacity for indoor spectators is 50 per cent of the usual seating capacity or 1,000 people, whichever is less. Capacity for outdoor spectators is 75 per cent of the usual seating capacity or 15,000 people, whichever is less;
• Indoor meeting and event spaces permitted to operate with physical distancing and other restrictions still in effect and capacity limited to not exceed 50 per cent capacity or 1,000 people, (whichever is less);
• Essential and non-essential retail with with capacity limited to the number of people that can maintain a physical distance of two metres;
• Personal care services, including services requiring the removal of a face covering, with capacity limited to the number of people that can maintain a physical distance of two metres;
• Museums, galleries, historic sites, aquariums, zoos, landmarks, botanical gardens, science centres, casinos/bingo halls, amusement parks, fairs and rural exhibitions, festivals, with capacity limited to not exceed 50 per cent capacity indoors and 75 per cent capacity outdoors;
• Concert venues, cinemas, and theatres permitted to operate at:
• up to 50 per cent capacity indoors or a maximum limit of 1,000 people for seated events (whichever is less)
  
• up to 75 per cent capacity outdoors or a maximum limit of 5,000 people for unseated events (whichever is less); and up to 75 per cent capacity outdoors or a maximum of 15,000 people for events with fixed seating (whichever is less).
  
• Real estate open houses with capacity limited to the number of people that can maintain a physical distance of two metres; and
• Indoor food or drink establishments where dance facilities are provided, including nightclubs and restobars, permitted up to 25 per cent capacity or up to a maximum limit of 250 people (whichever is less).

Face coverings in indoor public settings and physical distancing requirements remain in place throughout Step Three. This is in alignment with the advice on personal public health measures issued by the Public Health Agency of Canada, while also accounting for Ontario specific information and requirements. Face coverings will also be required in some outdoor public settings as well.

Please view the regulation for the full list of public health and workplace safety measures that need to be followed.

“Thanks to the continued efforts of Ontarians adhering to public health measures and advice, as well as going out to get vaccinated, we have seen most key health indicators continue to improve,” said Dr. Kieran Moore, Chief Medical Officer of Health. “However, the pandemic is not over and we must all remain vigilant and continue following the measures and advice in place, as the Delta variant continues to pose a threat to public health.”

The province will remain in Step Three of the Roadmap for at least 21 days and until 80 per cent of the eligible population aged 12 and over has received one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and 75 per cent have received their second, with no public health unit having less than 70 per cent of their eligible population aged 12 and over fully vaccinated. Other key public health and health care indicators must also continue to remain stable. Upon meeting these thresholds, the vast majority of public health and workplace safety measures, including capacity limits for indoor and outdoor settings and limits for social gatherings, will be lifted. Only a small number of measures will remain in place, including the requirement for passive screening, such as posting a sign, and businesses requiring a safety plan.

Ontario’s epidemiological situation is distinct from other jurisdictions and the Delta variant is the dominant strain in Ontario, which is not the case with some other provinces. As a result, on the advice of the Chief Medical Officer of Health, face coverings will also continue to be required for indoor public settings. The Chief Medical Officer of Health will continue to evaluate this need on an ongoing basis.

QUICK FACTS

• On June 30, 2021, the province moved into Step Two of the Roadmap to Reopen, based on the provincewide vaccination rate and continued improvements in key public health and health system indicators.
• The Ontario government has released the Roadmap to Reopen, a three-step plan to reopen the province and ease public health measures based on the provincewide vaccination rate and improvements in key public health and health care indicators.
• With a majority of Ontario adults having received their first dose of the vaccine, providing a strong level of protection from COVID-19, the province is accelerating eligibility to book a second dose appointment, including for children and youth aged 12 to 17.

Bobcaygeon, June 25 - With Stage 2 of the Provincial Re-Opening comes an exciting new option for audiences looking for their fix of summer theatre. Because of the ongoing provincial restrictions that prevent live theatre from happening indoors, Globus Theatre at the LAB is pivoting slightly from its original summer season plans to bring audiences a Patio Theatre Series!

Spanning from July 2^nd to July 18^th, this newly established patio at The Lakeview Arts Barn will host a variety of performances, from play readings to concerts and beyond! From July 2^nd to July 3^rd, audiences can enjoy a play reading of Norm Foster’s Here on the Flight Path, starring James Barrett, Sarah Quick, Anna Silvia-Broks and Rebecca Anne Bloom. On July 8^th and 9th, the stage will showcase the world premiere of Broken Glass, a modern reimaging of the Tennesse William’s classic: The Glass Menagerie. This play reading features live musical accompaniment and contemporary dance alongside a story of despair, resilience, and hope!

Audiences can escape the heat for a night of friendly competition during Globus Theatre’s Trivia Night on July 10^th or join in on the laughs provided by some of Canada’s greatest improvisers during the Improv Comedy All Stars! on July 18^th. If concerts are more your vibe, Globus Theatre has you covered there too! Enjoy classic Beatle’s tunes performed by fan favourites The Maple Beats (Rick Johnson, Terri Crawford and Randy Read) on July 4th, or songs from the Great American Songbook sung by Leisa Way and members of the Wayward Wind Band in Happy Days are Here Again from July 15^th to 17^th.  Of course, we couldn't forget even the youngest audience members! For parents looking for some new kid friendly entertainment, gather up your little ones for Globus's Patio Theatre Series for Kids! in the mornings of July 4th, 10^th and 18^th

There is so much to do at Globus Theatre this July, so come relax on the patio, enjoy a drink, a bite to eat and some soul warming entertainment. For more information visit the Globus Theatre website: www.globustheatre.com

Tickets are $25 per person (seating available starting at 5pm) for evening performances and $12.50 for kids shows.

Varied dinner menu and a fully stocked bar available to select from!

All prices subject to HST and a $2.00 per ticket fee.

Tickets can now be booked by calling the box office: 705-738-2037

• Outdoor social gatherings and organized public events for up to 25 people
• Indoor social gatherings and organized public events for up to 5 people
• Outdoor dining for up to 6 people per table
• Essential and other select retail permitted at 50% capacity
• Non-essential retail capacity at 25%
• Stores in shopping malls open, with restrictions
• Larger indoor religious services, rites, or ceremonies, including wedding services and funeral services at 25% capacity
• Outdoor religious services, rites, or ceremonies, including wedding services and funeral services, capped at the number of people that can maintain a physical distance of two metres
• Overnight camps
• Personal care services where face coverings can be worn at all times at 25% capacity
• Outdoor fitness classes are capped at the number of people who can maintain 3 metres of distance
• Public libraries permitted at 25% capacity
• Outdoor meeting and event spaces at 25% capacity
• Outdoor amusement and water parks at 25% capacity
• Outdoor sports games, leagues and events at 25% capacity
• Outdoor cinemas, performing arts, live music events and attractions at 25% capacity
• Outdoor horse racing and motor speedways at 25% capacity

To see all of what Step Two entails head to: https://www.ontario.ca/page/reopening-ontario#roadmap-step-2

TORONTO — Based on the provincewide vaccination rate and continuing improvements in key public health and health system indicators, the Ontario government, in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health, will move the province into Step One of its Roadmap to Reopen at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, June 11, 2021.

“Thanks to the ongoing success of Team Ontario’s vaccine rollout and the ongoing improvements in public health trends, we are able to enter step one of the Roadmap and begin to safely and cautiously lift restrictions,” said Premier Doug Ford. “The only reason we’re able to do so is because of the enormous sacrifices made by individuals, families and communities across Ontario. As we begin to enjoy the benefits of the first step in our roadmap like meeting friends on a patio or visiting your favourite local store, please do so safely by continuing to follow all public health guidelines.”

In order to safely enter Step One of the Roadmap to Reopen, Ontario needed to have vaccinated 60 per cent of adults with at least one dose for two weeks or longer, ensuring the first dose offers a strong level of protection against COVID-19. As of June 6, 2021 at 8:00 p.m., 72 per cent of the 18+ population in Ontario had received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine with over 10 million doses now having been administered.

Before entering Step One, the province also needed to see continued improvement in key public health and health system indicators. During the period of May 25 to 31, 2021, the provincial case rate decreased by 35.1 per cent. As of June 6, the number of patients with COVID-19 in ICUs is 497, including 31 patients from Manitoba, as compared to 687 two weeks ago. The province’s situation is currently exceeding the best-case scenario presented in recent modelling, which indicated the province would reach below 1,000 new daily infections by June 30, 2021. The province expects these trends to continue over the coming days before entering Step One.

“Thanks to the tremendous efforts of every Ontarian, beginning June 11 we will be able to cautiously lift public health measures in the settings we know are safest,” said Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “While this is exciting news, as we move to enter Step One of Ontario’s Roadmap it remains critical that all Ontarians continue to follow public health advice and roll up their sleeves to receive the vaccine.”

Step One of the Roadmap focuses on the resumption of more outdoor activities with smaller crowds where risk of transmission is lower. It will also permit more limited indoor settings to be open, all with restrictions in place. In consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health, the Ontario government has amended Step One to also permit indoor religious services, rites and ceremonies, including wedding and funeral services limited to 15 per cent capacity.

Step One of the Roadmap to Reopen includes but is not limited to:

• Outdoor social gatherings and organized public events with up to 10 people;
• Outdoor religious services, rites, or ceremonies, including wedding services and funeral services, capped at the number of people that can maintain a physical distance of two metres;
• Indoor religious services, rites, or ceremonies, including wedding services and funeral services permitted at up to 15 per cent capacity of the particular room;
• Non-essential retail permitted at 15 per cent capacity, with no restrictions on the goods that can be sold;
• Essential and other select retail permitted at 25 per cent capacity, with no restrictions on the goods that can be sold;
• Outdoor dining with up to four people per table, with exceptions for larger households;
• Outdoor fitness classes, outdoor groups in personal training and outdoor individual/team sport training to be permitted with up to 10 people, among other restrictions;
• Day camps for children permitted to operate in a manner consistent with the safety guidelines for COVID-19 produced by the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health;
• Overnight camping at campgrounds and campsites, including Ontario Parks, and short-term rentals;
• Concert venues, theatres and cinemas may open outdoors for the purpose of rehearsing or performing a recorded or broadcasted concert, artistic event, theatrical performance or other performance with no more than 10 performers, among other restrictions;
• Outdoor horse racing tracks and motor speedways permitted to operate without spectators; and
• Outdoor attractions such as zoos, landmarks, historic sites, botanical gardens with capacity and other restrictions.

In addition, to support students who have worked incredibly hard throughout the pandemic, the government is enabling school boards for public and private elementary and high schools to invite students back for brief outdoor end-of-year celebration. Any in-person school year celebrations will need to meet specific requirements.

The province will remain in Step One for at least 21 days to evaluate any impacts on key public health and health system indicators. If at the end of the 21 days the province has vaccinated 70 per cent of adults with one dose and 20 per cent of adults with two doses and there are continued improvements in other key public health and health system indicators, the province will move to Step Two of the Roadmap.

All public health and workplace safety measures currently in place will remain in effect until the province moves to Step One on June 11, 2021 at 12:01 a.m. During this time, the government will continue to work with stakeholders on their reopening plans, including targeted measures for specific sectors, institutions and other settings to ensure that they have full awareness of when they can begin to safely reopen and how.

“While we have reached the point where we can safely move into Step One, now is not the time to get complacent,” said Dr. David Williams, Chief Medical Officer of Health. “We must all remain vigilant, as the fight against COVID-19 is not over. By continuing to follow public health advice and measures we can continue to reduce transmission, safeguard health system capacity and save lives.”

Quick Facts

• Public health and workplace safety measures will continue to apply in Step One, including maintaining physical distance, capacity limits and wearing face coverings in indoor spaces and whenever physical distancing is a challenge.
• On June 2, 2021, Ontario’s Stay-at-Home order was allowed to expire, with most other public health and workplace safety measures being maintained provincewide until Ontario enters Step One of the Roadmap to Reopen.
• The Ontario government has released the Roadmap to Reopen, a three-step plan to safely and cautiously reopen the province and gradually lift public health measures based on the provincewide vaccination rate and improvements in key public health and health care indicators.
• On May 28, 2021, the Ontario government announced it was accelerating the rollout to book second dose vaccine appointments starting with individuals aged 80 and over, beginning on May 31, 2021. On June 7, 2021, individuals turning ages 70 and over in 2021, as well as individuals who received their first dose of an mRNA vaccine on or before April 18, 2021, will be eligible to schedule an appointment to receive their second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine through the provincial booking system. If there is sufficient vaccine supply, it is anticipated that the majority of Ontario residents who choose to receive the vaccine will be able to be fully vaccinated by the end of the summer.

Additional Resources

• Ontario Releases Three-Step Roadmap to Safely Reopen the Province
• Remote Learning to Continue across Ontario for the Remainder of School Year
• Ontario Maintains COVID-19 Restrictions as Stay-at-Home Order is Set to Expire
• Ontario Accelerates Rollout of Second Shots Targeting a Two-Dose Summer
• Visit Ontario’s COVID-19 communications resources web page for resources in multiple languages to help local communication efforts.
• Visit Ontario’s website to find out if you are eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine at this time.
• For up-to-date information on the province’s vaccine rollout and instructions on how to book an appointment, visit Ontario’s vaccine webpage.
• Visit Ontario’s COVID-19 information website to learn more about how the province continues to protect the people of Ontario from the virus.
• For public inquiries call ServiceOntario, INFOline at 1-866-532-3161 (Toll-free in Ontario only).

As originally published by the Office of The Premier