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TORONTO, ON (November 8, 2024) – The Greater Toronto Hotel Association (GTHA) celebrated the outstanding achievements and professionalism of hotel workers earlier today at the 11th annual 2024 Spirit Awards gala, held at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. The luncheon honoured frontline hotel staff across 19 categories, ranging from administration and security to culinary and housekeeping. This year's event enjoyed record attendance and featured the introduction of a new award – the Rising Star – to recognize up-and-coming employees who are new to the industry.

Launched in 2012, the Spirit Awards recognize the vital work done by the thousands of front-line workers who keep Toronto's hospitality and hotel industry thriving. GTHA received a remarkable 369 nominations in the run-up to the event, reflecting the second-to-none standard of excellence in Greater Toronto Area hotels.

"I have had the privilege of serving as Chair of the GTHA Spirit Awards since their inception, and it has been a joy to witness the enthusiasm that surrounds these awards year after year," said Ashok Baghel, Chair of the Spirit Awards Committee and General Manager at the Hyatt Regency Toronto. "As we look forward to the next century with GTHA, we're reminded of the invaluable contributions made by individuals in this field; both our history and future are represented in their work and that is certainly worth celebrating."

In acknowledgement of the association's upcoming 100th anniversary in 2025, this year's Spirit Awards unveiled the new GTHA Hall of Fame, an annual award that highlights an individual with visionary leadership and lasting contributions to the industry. The first inductee to this prestigious award is Josef Ebner, RVP - Canada and Managing Director, Chelsea Hotel.

"With a career spanning over six decades, Josef has worked at 14 properties in seven countries and is an active philanthropist and supporter of the industry," said Sara Anghel, President and CEO of the GTHA. "Josef actively contributed to the hotel industry and served on the GTHA board for 24 years. He has dedicated 32 years of service to the Chelsea Hotel and promoted Canada abroad through tourism sales missions in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Congratulations Josef on an exceptional career!" added Anghel.

2024 Spirit Award Winners:

• Accounting Ambassador of the Year: Grace Kim, Hilton Toronto Airport Hotel & Suites Sponsored by KPMG Private Enterprise
• Administration Ambassador of the Year: Tisha Ramroop-Ramgarib, Omni King Edward Sponsored by Hicks Morley Hamilton Stewart Storie LLP
• Banquet Ambassador of the Year: Danuta Orzechowska, Westin Toronto Airport Sponsored by Gordon Food Service
• Bell Person Ambassador of the Year: Michael Galicia, Holiday Inn Airport Sponsored by Hunter Amenities
• Concierge of the Year: Anna Petrik, Intercontinental Toronto Centre Sponsored by Insuranceland
• Culinary Ambassador of the Year: Ramal De Mel, Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel Sponsored by Orkin Canada
• Door Person Ambassador of the Year: George Chalhoub, St. Regis Toronto Sponsored by Eminent Valet
• Engineering Ambassador of the Year: Leroy Chabilall, Hotel X Sponsored by HEAT
• Food & Beverage Outlets Ambassador of the Year: Cecilia Vicente, Residence Inn by Marriott Toronto Airport Sponsored by Smart Serve
• Guest Services Ambassador of the Year: Allan Dizon, Hyatt Regency Toronto Sponsored by Kostuch Media Ltd.
• Housekeeping Room Attendant Ambassador of the Year: Gemmeni Gabriel, The Ritz-Carlton Sponsored by Ecolab
• Housekeeping Support Services Ambassador of the Year: Francis Licayo, Toronto Marriott City Centre Sponsored by Ecolab
• Laundry Ambassador of the Year: Rena Bisson, Holiday Inn Express Whitby Sponsored by Victory Laundry
• Lifetime Achievement Award: Alex Nahrabeki, Westin Harbour Castle Sponsored by Group Lockhart
• Reservations Ambassador of the Year: Christian Del Castillo, The Pearle Hotel Sponsored by Meteor Telecommunications
• Rising Star Award: Manuel Silva, Radisson Blu Toronto Sponsored by First Onsite
• Security Ambassador of the Year: Ferris Mohammed, Marriott Downtown at CF Toronto Eaton Centre Sponsored by Sheer Hospitality Solutions
• Steward of the Year: Thanabalasingam Iyathurai, Omni King Edward Sponsored by Mediclean Inc
• Switchboard Operator of the Year: Rowena Baldovino-Heraldo, Westin Harbour Castle Sponsored by Camdi

The 2024 Spirit Awards were made possible through the generous support of our sponsors. This year's Diamond Sponsor was Visit Mississauga, with Fairmont Royal York as our Platinum Partner. Gold Partners included Destination Toronto, Encore, and Smart Serve, while Union Environmental Solutions joined as the Silver Sponsor. The cocktail reception was sponsored by Andrew Peller Limited, with luncheon sponsors Marriott International and Avendra International. Entertainment was provided with support from Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, and Stagevision sponsored our Master of Ceremonies. Hyatt generously served as the Spirit Pin Sponsor, while Bronze Sponsors included Hilton Hotels and Resorts Toronto, Eminent Valet, and Nella Toronto. We are also grateful to our In-Kind Sponsors, Allegra Oakville, Ferrero Rocher, and Oxford Properties for their valued contributions.

The GTHA congratulates all 2024 Spirit Awards winners and nominees. For more information on the Spirit Awards, GTHA membership and future events, visit www.gtha.com.

For media inquiries:
Kelly Harris
Director of Marketing & Stakeholder Relations, GTHA
kharris@gtha.com

TORONTO, ON (August 6, 2024) - The Greater Toronto Hotel Association (GTHA) is pleased to announce the
appointment of its 2024-2026 Board of Directors. GTHA, representing the collective interests of the hotel industry
in the Greater Toronto Area, is committed to enhancing the economic vitality and sustainability of the region's
hotel sector. The new Board of Directors bring diverse perspectives and expertise that will bolster the
Association’s mission and help to achieve these goals as GTHA prepares to celebrate its 100th anniversary in
2025.

The 2024-2026 slate for GTHA’s Board of Directors includes:

• Tim Reardon, Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel (Chair)
• Catherine Velie, W Hotel (Vice-Chair)
• Robert Housez, Chelsea Hotel Toronto (Secretary Treasurer)
• Edwin Frizzell, Fairmont Royal York (Past Chair)
• Patrick Cappa, Omni King Edward Hotel (Executive Member)
• Sara Anghel (President and CEO)
• Andy Loges, Hilton Toronto (Board Director)
• Ashok Baghel, Hyatt Regency Toronto (Board Director)
• Bonnie Strome, Park Hyatt Toronto (Board Director)
• David Kelley, Soho Hotel & Residences (Board Director)
• Ellen Hryhor, Residence Inn Toronto Downtown (Board Director)
• Hiren Prabhakar, The St. Regis Toronto (Board Director)
• Jennifer Worden, Toronto Marriott Markham (Board Director)
• Peter Kingsbury, Courtyard by Marriott Toronto Airport (Board Director)
• Peter Gillis, Westin Harbour Castle (Board Director)
• Ryan Soderberg, Toronto Marriott City Centre (Board Director)
• Toni Frankfurter, The Waterside Inn (Board Director)
• Umesh Srivastava, DoubleTree by Hilton Toronto Downtown (Board Director)
• Vince Pimentel, Delta by Marriott Toronto Markham (Board Director)
• Yari Khan, Delta Hotels by Marriott Toronto Mississauga (Board Director)
• Zorica Drapic, Revery Toronto Downtown, Curio Collection by Hilton (Board Director)

"We are thrilled to welcome our new board members and are confident that their diverse expertise and
commitment will greatly contribute to the advancement of the hospitality industry in the Greater Toronto Area,"
said Sara Anghel, President and CEO of GTHA. "Together, we will continue to promote Toronto as a premier
destination for travelers from around the world, and reach new heights in our advocacy for the industry."

The Greater Toronto Hotel Association’s Board of Directors is dedicated to advocating on behalf of the hotel
industry, ensuring its growth and sustainability, and supporting the interests of its members.

FALL ECONOMIC STATEMENT – NOVEMBER 4, 2021

Today, the Government of Ontario affirmed the important role of the accommodation sector to Ontario’s economic recovery.  Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy has announced the creation of a $270 Million tax credit program called the Ontario Staycation Tax Credit commencing in 2022.  

With hotels as the centrepiece of the plan, tax credits will be available to individuals and families who stay at hotels during 2022.  The Government believes this investment will yield tangible and significant benefit to restaurants, attractions and local businesses as a result of people visiting and staying at hotels.  

The GTHA has been advocating for a recovery program that targets and builds upon the proven contribution of hotels to provincial economic prosperity.  While the road ahead presents challenges, we believe this tax credit signals confidence in the hotel sector and that our partnership with government is strong.

The Board of Directors thanks its members for their support and guidance over the past year as we have lent our collective voice and expertise to government on recovery efforts.

Read news release >>

GTHA has advocated for a comprehensive and sector-specific recovery plan to mitigate the significant losses experienced by our members as a result of the global pandemic.

Today’s Budget is a positive step and paces the way for further discussions with the Province. We will keep members apprised of progress. 

Today the Hon. Minister of Finance Rod Phillips released Ontario's Action Plan: Protect, Support, Recover — the next phase of a comprehensive action plan to respond to the serious health and economic impacts of COVID-19. Ontario's Action Plan now sets out a total of $45 billion in support over three years to make available the necessary health resources to continue protecting people, deliver critical programs and tax measures to support individuals, families and job creators impacted by the virus, and lay the groundwork for a robust long-term economic recovery for the province.

The minister identified some of the budget’s measurements in support for the recovery of our industry.

These are as follows:

• -  The government is making available $300 million in relief for eligible businesses in regions where the Province determines modified Stage 2 public health restrictions are necessary, or going forward, in areas categorized as Control or Lockdown. This will help cover fixed costs such as property taxes and energy bills.

• -  Bringing more jobs to Ontario with a comprehensive plan to address the job-killing high costs of electricity, saving medium-size and larger industrial and commercial employers about 14 and 16 per cent respectively, on average, on their electricity bills (at an additional expense of $1.3 billion over three years). Starting on January 1, 2021, a portion of the cost of the contracts entered under the previous government will be funded by the Province, not the ratepayers.

• -  Reducing property taxes on job creators and levelling the playing field by lowering high Business Education Tax (BET) rates for over 200,000 employers, or 94 per cent of all business properties in Ontario, to a rate of 0.88 per cent. This is creating $450 million in immediate annual savings and representing a reduction of 30 per cent for many businesses currently subject to the highest BET rate in the province.

• -  Ending a tax on jobs for an additional 30,000 employers by proposing to make permanent the Employer Health Tax (EHT) exemption increase from $490,000 to $1 million. With this additional relief about 90 per cent of employers would pay no EHT, saving them $360 million in 2021-22 that could be reinvested in jobs and growth.

• -  Committing to provide Ontario residents with support of up to 20 per cent for eligible Ontario tourism expenses to encourage them to safely discover Ontario in 2021, the year of the Ontario staycation.

• -  Connecting workers in the tourism and hospitality sector and others most affected by the pandemic to training and jobs with an investment of $180.5 million over 3 years, including a skilled trades strategy, an additional $100 million of dedicated investments through Employment Ontario for skills training, a redesigned Second Career program, and $59.5 million to acquire in-demand skills.

Read entire news release here.

Access Ontario's Action Plan: Protect, Support, Recover here.

The GTHA will continue to inform its members as more information becomes available on specific details about the budget and its implications for the hotel and tourism industry.

The Government of Ontario in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health, the Public Health Measures Table, and local medical officers of health and other health experts, the Ontario government is introducing additional targeted public health measures in the Ottawa, Peel, and Toronto public health unit regions. These modified Stage 2 restrictions will be for a minimum of 28 days and reviewed on an ongoing basis.

Effective Saturday, October 10, 2020 at 12:01 a.m., these targeted measures are being implemented in Ottawa, Peel, and Toronto as a result of their higher than average rates of transmission. Measures under a modified Stage 2 include:

• -  Reducing limits for all social gatherings and organized public events to a maximum of 10 people indoors and 25 people outdoors where physical distancing can be maintained. The two limits may not be combined for an indoor-outdoor event;
• -  Prohibiting indoor food and drink service in restaurants, bars and other food and drink establishments, including nightclubs and food court areas in malls;
• -  Closing of:
  • -  Indoor gyms and fitness centres (i.e., exercise classes and weight and exercise rooms);
  • -  Casinos, bingo halls and other gaming establishments;
  • -  Indoor cinemas;
  • -  Performing arts centres and venues;
  • -  Spectator areas in racing venues;
  • -  Interactive exhibits or exhibits with high risk of personal contact in museums, galleries, zoos, science centres, landmarks, etc.;
  • -  Prohibiting personal care services where face coverings must be removed for the service (e.g. makeup application, beard trimming)
• -  Prohibiting personal care services where face coverings must be removed for the service (e.g. makeup application, beard trimming);
• -  Reducing the capacity limits for:
  • -  Meeting and event spaces to 10 people indoors and 25 people outdoors,
  • -  Tour and guide services to 10 people indoors and 25 people outdoors
  • -  Real estate open houses to 10 people indoors, where physical distancing can be maintained.
  • -  In-person teaching and instruction (e.g. cooking class) to 10 people indoors and 25 people outdoors, with exemptions for schools, child care centres, universities, colleges of applied arts and technology, private career colleges, the Ontario Police College, etc. and
  • -  Limiting team sports to training sessions (no games or scrimmages).

Schools, child care centres, and places of worship will remain open in these communities and must continue to follow the public health measures in place. Before-school and after-school programs will also be exempt from these new restrictions.

Wedding Receptions for this weekend

Given the extraordinary costs associated with these functions, wedding receptions scheduled for this weekend may proceed under existing public health rules. Effective Tuesday, October 13, 2020 at 12:01 a.m., updated public health measures will apply to wedding receptions, including new gathering limits of 10 people indoors and 25 people outdoors at event spaces.

In addition to the measures being implemented in the Ottawa, Peel, and Toronto public health unit regions, the Chief Medical Officer of Health is also urging all Ontarians to:

• -  Limit trips outside of home, except for essential purposes only such as work where it is not possible to work from home, school, grocery shopping, medical appointments, and outdoor healthy physical activity. In addition, travel to other regions in the province, especially from higher transmission to lower transmission areas, should only be for essential purposes;
• -  Practise physical distancing of at least two metres with those outside your household;
• -  Wear a face covering when physical distancing is a challenge or where it is mandatory to do so; and
• -  Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly; and following gathering limits and rules.

As these necessary public health measures come at a cost to small businesses, Ontario has planned to and will make $300 million available to assist significantly affected businesses with fixed costs, including property taxes, hydro and natural gas bills.

This support will be provided by the province and will be made available in any region where these measures are necessary. More details will be released in the coming days.

This funding builds on the actions the government has taken to support small businesses throughout the pandemic, including putting in place a temporary moratorium on commercial evictions, making $60 million available for a $1,000 grant for small businesses to offset the cost of personal protective equipment (PPE), and exploring options to permanently allow restaurants and bars to include alcohol with food as part of a takeout or delivery order

Read the News Release here.

In consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health, local medical officers of health and public health experts, the Ontario government is tightening public health measures. At the same time, in response to the second wave of COVID-19 and in preparation for the cold winter months, the government is taking action to reduce testing turnaround times while prioritizing those who are at the greatest risk.

The announcement was made by Premier Doug Ford, Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, Dr. David Williams, Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Dirk Huyer, Coordinator of the Provincial Outbreak Response, and Matthew Anderson, President and CEO of Ontario Health.

"The modeling we released this week demonstrates the absolute necessity to take action now to reverse current trends and protect our hospital capacity," said Premier Ford. "With the weather changing and more people moving indoors, the decision to introduce new restrictions on restaurants, gyms and other businesses was difficult. However, we will do whatever is necessary, acting on the advice of our public health experts, to turn the tide on this second wave and keep everyone safe."

New Measures for Testing

The government is taking additional steps to respond to the second wave of COVID-19 and prevent and stop the spread of the virus, while safely keeping schools and businesses open. These include:

• -  Transitioning to appointment-based testing at Ontario assessment centres beginning Tuesday, October 6, 2020, providing certainty to patients as to when they can receive a test during the cold winter months and allowing assessment centres to conduct enhanced screening to ensure adherence to the guidelines released on September 24, 2020;
• -  Beginning on Sunday, October 4, 2020, assessment centres will discontinue walk-in testing services, so the province's lab network can make significant progress in processing tests and to allow assessment centres the necessary time to reset, deep clean and ensure preparedness for the new appointment-based model;
• -  Continuing mobile testing and pop-up testing centres to reach vulnerable populations and provide targeted testing for long-term care, congregate care, and other vulnerable populations;
• -  Expanding the number of pharmacies where people with no symptoms within provincial testing guidance can get tested; and
• -  Implementing updated testing guidance for children to help parents determine when it is most appropriate for students, children and their families to seek a test for COVID-19.

Ontario is also taking longer-term actions to increase the province's test processing capacity so people can get their results faster, including:

• -  Increasing testing and processing capacity to 50,000 tests per day by mid-October and 68,000 tests per day by mid-November; and
• -  Introducing new testing methods once they are approved by Health Canada, including point of care testing and antigen testing.

New Public Health Measures

As the number of new cases continues to rise, the province is taking decisive action to prevent and stop the spread of the virus and avoid future lockdowns. These new restrictions were adopted through the amended order O. Reg 364/20 (Rules for Areas in Stage 3 under the Reopening Ontario [A Flexible Response to COVID-19] Act, 2020). They include mandating the use of face coverings in all public indoor settings across the province, such as businesses, facilities and workplaces, with limited exemptions, including corrections and developmental services.

Targeted measures will also be implemented in Ottawa, Peel, and Toronto as a result of their higher than average rates of transmission. These include:

• -  Setting an indoor capacity limit to restrict occupancy at restaurants, bars and other food and drink establishments (including nightclubs) to the number of patrons who can maintain a physical distance of at least two metres from every other patron, to a maximum of 100 patrons, permitting no more than six patrons per table, requiring operators to ensure patrons lining up or congregating outside of their establishment maintain physical distancing, and mandating that the name and contact information for each patron be collected;
• -  Restricting group exercise classes at gyms and other fitness settings to 10 individuals, as well as restricting the total number of people allowed at these facilities to a maximum of 50; and
• -  Setting a limit on the number of people allowed at meeting and event facilities, including banquet halls, to six people per table and 50 people per facility.

"With Ontario's recent alarming growth in the number of COVID-19 cases, our government is taking further action to help stop the spread of the virus and avoid future lockdowns," said Minister Elliott. "These are difficult, but necessary decisions that are being made to keep people safe, especially our seniors and vulnerable citizens. Everyone must follow the public health guidelines if we are going to stop the spread and contain the second wave."

This amended order will come into effect on Saturday, October 3, 2020 at 12:01 a.m.

In addition, the government is:

• -  Extending the pause on any further reopening of businesses, facilities, and organizations for an additional 28 days, unless already permitted to open under O. Reg 364/20;
• -  Pausing social circles and advising that all Ontarians allow close contact only with people living in their own household and maintain two metres physical distancing from everyone else. Individuals who live alone may consider having close contact with another household; and
• -  Finalizing additional guidance for seniors (70 and over) on how to minimize their risk of acquiring COVID-19, including for upcoming annual gatherings such as Thanksgiving and Remembrance Day.

The Chief Medical Officer of Health and other public health experts continue to closely monitor the evolving situation across the province to advise if and when public health measures or restrictions should be adjusted or tightened.

It remains critically important for everyone to continue following public health advice, including everyday actions to prevent the spread of COVID-19, such as practising physical distancing with those outside your household; wearing a face covering when physical distancing is a challenge or where it is mandatory to do so; washing your hands frequently and thoroughly; and following gathering limits and rules.

For additional protection, the Ontario government is encouraging everyone to download the new COVID Alert app on their smart phone from the Apple and Google Play app stores.

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Quick Facts

• -  All booked appointments at assessment centres that take appointments will continue as scheduled.
• -  The Ontario government has developed a $2.8 billion COVID-19 fall preparedness plan, Keeping Ontarians Safe: Preparing for Future Waves of COVID-19, to ensure the province’s health care, long-term care and education systems are prepared for the immediate challenges of the fall, including a second wave of COVID-19 and the upcoming flu season.
• -  With a recent increase in cases of COVID-19, it remains vital for the government to continue to protect vulnerable populations and for each Ontarian to follow public health advice.
• -  As well, in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health, the Ontario government has extended orders currently in force under the Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID-19) Act, 2020 (ROA) to October 22, 2020. Orders in effect under the ROA will allow the government to maintain the flexibility it needs to address the ongoing and emerging risks as well as the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
• -  On July 24, 2020, the ROA came into force to ensure important measures remained in place after the provincial declared emergency came to an end. Under the ROA, orders can be extended for up to 30 days at a time. The government will continue to review all orders continued under the ROA and will report on order extensions to the Select Committee on Emergency Management Oversight.

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Additional Resources

• -  New Public Health Measures Implemented Provincewide to Keep Ontarians Safe
• -  Ontario Limits the Size of Unmonitored and Private Social Gatherings across Entire Province
• -  Get the facts from Public Health Ontario on how to protect yourself and others.
• -  Visit Ontario's website to learn more about how the province continues to protect Ontarians from COVID-19.
• -  For public inquiries call ServiceOntario, INFOline at 1-866-532-3161 (Toll-free in Ontario only).

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Related Topics

Government

Learn about the government services available to you and how government works. Learn more

Health and Wellness

Get help navigating Ontario’s health care system and connecting with the programs or services you’re looking for. Learn more

The Ontario government has amended order O. Reg 364/20: Rules for Areas in Stage 3 under the Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID-19) Act, 2020, to tighten public health measures in response to the recent rise in cases of COVID-19.

Over the past five weeks, Ontario has experienced an increase in the rate of new COVID-19 cases. Private social gatherings continue to be a significant source of transmission in many local communities, along with outbreak clusters in restaurants, bars, and other food and drink establishments, including strip clubs, with most cases in the 20-39 age group. To ensure the continued health and safety of Ontarians, reduce the risk of transmission, and limit future outbreaks of COVID-19, the amended order will apply province-wide effective 12:01 a.m. on Saturday September 26 and will:

• -  Apply additional measures and restrictions to restaurants, bars and other food and drink establishments (including nightclubs) by prohibiting the sale of alcohol after 11 p.m., and prohibiting the consumption of alcohol on the premises after 12:00 a.m. until 9:00 a.m. (including employees), and requiring establishments to close by 12:00 a.m. and remain closed until 5:00 a.m. except for takeout or delivery;
• -  Close all strip clubs across the province; and
• -  Require businesses or organizations to comply with any advice, recommendations, and instructions issued by the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health on screening for COVID-19, including screening individuals who wish to enter their premises.

Read news release here.

On September 23, 2020, her Excellency the Right Honourable Julie Payette, Governor General of Canada, delivered the Speech from the Throne providing good news for our industry.

Highlights for the hotel sector include:

• -  Financial support for businesses closed by public health order
• -  CEWS program extension until summer 2021
• -  CERB program transition to Employment Insurance system to continue to support those laid off due to COVID-19.
• -  Expanded Business Credit Availability and further support for specific hardest hit sectors such as travel, tourism and cultural industries.
• -  Support for the aviation sector
• -  Creation of 1 million jobs

Read the Speech from the Throne here

The Ontario government, in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health and the Public Health Measures Table, is reducing limits on the number of people permitted to attend unmonitored and private social gatherings across the entire province. Earlier this week, the government imposed these restrictions in Toronto, Peel Region and Ottawa.

The details were provided today by Premier Doug Ford and Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health.

"Over the past several days, we have seen an alarming growth in the number of COVID-19 cases in the province," said Premier Ford. "Clearly, the numbers are heading in the wrong direction. That's why we are taking decisive action to lower the size of unmonitored private social gatherings in every region of Ontario. We need everyone to follow the public health rules in order to prevent another provincewide lockdown, and protect all our citizens, especially the elderly and the vulnerable."

Unmonitored and private social gatherings include functions, parties, dinners, gatherings, BBQs or wedding receptions held in private residences, backyards, parks and other recreational areas.

The new limit on the number of people allowed to attend an unmonitored private social gathering across the province is:

• -  10 people at an indoor event or gathering (previous limit of 50); or
• -  25 people at an outdoor event or gathering (previous limit of 100).

Indoor and outdoor events and gatherings cannot be merged together. Gatherings of 35 (25 outdoors and 10 indoors) are not permitted.

"We are taking further action to slow the spread and limit new cases of COVID-19 by reducing the size of private social gatherings across Ontario. This action is based on the increasing case counts that we are seeing," said Minister Elliott. "As we continue to closely monitor the spread of this virus, we will never hesitate to take further action to protect the health and well-being of all Ontarians."

The new limits will not apply to events or gatherings held in staffed businesses and facilities, such as bars, restaurants, cinemas, convention centres, banquet halls, gyms, places of worship, recreational sporting or performing art events. Existing rules, including public health and workplace safety measures for these businesses and facilities, continue to be in effect.

These new limits are effective immediately.

To support better compliance with public health guidelines, amendments to the Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID-19) Act would, if passed, establish:

• -  A new offence regarding hosting or organizing a gathering in residential premises or other prescribed premises that exceeds limits under an order.
• -  A minimum fine of $10,000 for organizers of these gatherings.
• -  Authority for the Lieutenant Governor in Council to prescribe additional types of premises for the purpose of the new offence.
• -  Authority for a police officer, special constable or First Nations constable to order the temporary closure of a premises where there are reasonable grounds to believe that any gathering exceeding the number of people allowed is taking place and require individuals to leave the premises.

"It is critical that we continue to take the necessary steps to protect the health and safety of all Ontarians," said Solicitor General Sylvia Jones. "We are making it easier for communities to keep people safe through a broad array of tools and deterrents including stiffer penalties for organizing social gatherings at private residences that violate the applicable size restrictions. Today's expansion of gathering restrictions across the province shows that we remain agile in our response to the increase in COVID-19 cases in Ontario."

The Chief Medical Officer of Health and other public health experts continue to closely monitor the evolving situation to advise when public health measures or restrictions can be further loosened or if they need to be tightened.

It remains critically important for everyone to continue following public health advice. This includes:

• -  staying home when ill, or keeping your child home from school when ill, even with mild symptoms;
• -  practising physical distancing with those outside your household or social circle, or at gatherings;
• -  protecting your social circle;
• -  wearing a face covering when physical distancing is a challenge or where it is mandatory to do so;
• -  washing your hands frequently and thoroughly; and
• -  adhering to gathering limits and rules.

For additional protection, the Ontario government is encouraging everyone to download the new COVID Alert app on their smart phone from the Apple and Google Play app stores.

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Quick Facts

• -  On July 24, 2020, the Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID-19) Act (ROA) came into force to ensure important measures remained in place after the provincial declared emergency came to an end. Under the ROA, orders can be extended for up to 30 days at a time. The government will continue to review all orders continued under the ROA and will report on order extensions to the Select Committee on Emergency Management Oversight.
• -  Some local municipalities may have enacted by-laws or local medical officers of health may have issued Section 22 orders under the Health Protection and Promotion Act, mandating the use of face coverings, and other restrictions, in some settings. Other medical officers of health may have mandated the use of face coverings, and other restrictions, through reference to emergency orders. Refer to local municipal or public health unit webpages for more information.
• -  Over 180 guidance resources are available to businesses to help them safely reopen and keep customers and workers safe.
• -  Testing is available at any of the province’s 147 assessment centres currently open. To find your closest assessment centre, please visit Ontario.ca/coronavirus.

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Additional Resources

• -  Lower Social Gathering Limits Adopted Provincewide to Help Stop the Spread of COVID-19
• -  Get the facts from Public Health Ontario on how to protect yourself and others.
• -  See how your organization can help fight COVID-19.
• -  Visit Ontario's website to learn more about how the province continues to protect Ontarians from COVID-19.
• -  For public inquiries call ServiceOntario, INFOline at 1-866-532-3161 (Toll-free in Ontario only).

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Related Topics

Government

Learn about the government services available to you and how government works. Learn more

Health and Wellness

Get help navigating Ontario’s health care system and connecting with the programs or services you’re looking for. Learn more

The City of Toronto is maximizing patio season by allowing portable heaters for CaféTO, streamlining overall restaurant patio heater process.

With cooler fall weather approaching, the City of Toronto has announced plans to allow portable heaters to be placed in all outdoor patios, including CaféTO curb lane closures, to help keep outdoor dining spaces open longer and provide additional support for local restaurants.

The CaféTO program is due to end in late fall (pending snowfall in weather forecasts) and allowing restaurant operators to safely introduce portable heaters will help make outdoor dining more appealing to customers, encourage physical distancing to help stop virus spread, and give restaurant operators the chance to maximize outdoor patio season and generate revenue.

Portable heating devices, including fire fuelled appliances like propane heaters, will be allowed on all outdoor patio types in Toronto, including sidewalks and curb lane cafés. The guidelines for safe use developed by Toronto Fire Services are available on the CaféTO website, and operators must follow them closely. Locations will be monitored for safe use and enforced by City bylaw officers and Toronto Fire Services staff. Before, there were numerous documents and applications required for heaters on patios to be approved. The new Fire Services' guidelines streamline that process and the documentation is no longer required at this time.

Some examples of the guidelines include only using heaters that meet federal and provincial safety requirements, installing and storing units per the manufacturer’s instructions, and removing heaters from the curb lane when the café is not in use. As per CaféTO safety and accessibility guidelines, tents and structures are still not permitted in curb lane closures.

The City is also planning an online survey to gather input from both local restaurant operators about the CaféTO program and customers who have visited CaféTO locations. Input from the survey will help inform future decisions about the program. The survey, and other information, will be available at http://www.toronto.ca/cafeto

Read news release here.