On September 22, the Provincial Government will launch its proof of vaccination program, in alignment with O. Reg 364/20: Rules for Areas at Step 3 and at the Roadmap Exit Step, requiring all Ontarians to be fully vaccinated and provide proof of vaccination alongside photo identification (i.e., driver’s license, health card) to access certain public settings.
Residents and visitors accessing the Niagara-on-the-Lake Community Centre, Meridian Credit Union and Centennial Arenas will be required to show identification plus proof of a complete series of an approved COVID-19 vaccine, or a combination of approved vaccines, received at least 14 days before arrival at the facility.
Exemptions from the requirement in respect of patrons include:
- Individuals who are medically exempt from the vaccine. Those individuals will be permitted entry with a physician’s note until recognized medical exemptions can be integrated as part of a digital vaccine certificate;
- Children who are under 12 years of age;
- Individuals under 18 years of age who are entering the indoor premises of a facility used for sports and recreation activities for the sole purpose of participating in an organized sport within a facility; and,
- Individuals entering an indoor area solely to use the restroom facilities.
Screening and other Public Health recommendations remain in place.
Visitors accessing the Niagara-on-the-Lake Library will not be required to provide proof of vaccination, based on current Provincial regulations.
Visitors visiting Sweets and Swirls Café must provide proof of vaccination for dine-in services. However, proof of vaccination is not required if individuals are accessing the facility solely to place or pick up an order from the Café.
While the Province has indicated that a digital vaccine certificate is in the works, citizens can provide a printed receipt of vaccination in the meantime. A hard copy receipt is given to each person upon receiving their vaccination. A digital copy may also be emailed from covaxon@ontario.ca following the appointment. Individuals needing to download additional copies may do so through the Provincial portal at https://covid19.ontariohealth.ca.
“This is an important step in ensuring the safety of our community as we continue to navigate the fourth wave of this pandemic,” stated Lord Mayor Betty Disero. “Thank you to everyone for your patience and understanding as we all adjust to this new proof of vaccination mandate from the Province.”
“We understand this will be a significant transition for our residents and businesses along with Town Staff,” stated CAO Marnie Cluckie. “We are committed to doing our part to comply with Provincial regulations and Public Health guidelines and to support the public in its efforts to do so, as well.”
Additional information will be forthcoming through the Town’s website and social media channels. For specific questions about Town facilities, please contact Dan Maksenuk, Recreation Supervisor, at dan.maksenuk@notl.com.
Media contact:
Marah Minor, Community Engagement & Communications Coordinator
905-468-3266 | communications@notl.com