New Capacity Limits and Proof of Vaccine Requirements

August 01, 2025

Update on City Facilities and Programs

In alignment with the new provincial measures, indoor city facilities will be operating at 50 per cent capacity to reduce transmission of the rapidly spreading and highly transmissible Omicron variant.

To reduce the opportunity for close contact and allow as many people as possible to get vaccines, effective 12:01 a.m. on Sunday, Dec 19, the Province has introduced a 50 per cent capacity limit for indoor public settings. This includes restaurants, bars, personal care services, grocery stores, concert venues, theatres, meeting and event spaces, shopping malls, indoor sport and recreational facilities, and gyms. 

In addition, the Province has reduced social gathering limits to 10 people indoors and 25 people outdoors.

“This isn’t where we were hoping to be at this stage in the pandemic, but we must take steps to protect the community, our healthcare system and lessen the overall impact of the Omicron variant,” said Mayor Kathryn McGarry. “Please follow all public health advice, be kind and remember we’re all in this together.”

Recreation Facilities

As of tomorrow (Sunday, December 19), City of Cambridge community centres, recreation centres, pools, and arenas will be open at 50 per cent capacity. Patrons are asked to “check before you rec” and to visit the city website for details on screening and vaccine proof requirements. 

Proof of Vaccine Requirements 

Beginning Dec. 20, proof of vaccination and valid government ID is required for youth participating in sport aged 12 to 17 years entering city recreation facilities. Everyone 12 and older entering a city recreation facility will be required to: 

  • show proof of vaccination or medical exemption (Provincial QR code required as of Jan. 4, 2022) 
  • show government identification (a picture or legible photocopy is acceptable) 
  • complete the COVID-19 health screening 
  • complete contact tracing information 

These requirements are already in place for volunteers, parents and spectators (12 and older). 

Sports Groups

The City of Cambridge thanks all the sport groups who use City facilities for doing their part to offer sport programming in a responsible and safe manner. In response to the Provincial announcement, effective December 19, the following changes will take place:

  • All tournaments with travelling teams are cancelled, until approximately January 28, 2022.
  • Food service operations will be suspended to support mask wearing and reduce potential transmission until approximately January 28, 2022.  Outside food and drink, with the exception of water for participants, is not permitted.
  • In order to meet the 50 per cent capacity restriction, we are reducing the number of spectators per player at practices and games (1 parent/guardian per player where possible).

 City staff are reaching out to sports groups directly to inform them of the new requirements.

Winter Programs and Holiday Activities

As previously announced by the City on December 14, registration for winter programs has been postponed until further notice while we await provincial direction. Updates for winter registration will be posted on our Register for a Program page. Fall programs and drop- in program registration is continuing as scheduled with reduced capacity.

Holiday public skates and swims will be going ahead but with reduced capacity. Residents are still asked to register in advance and are reminded that proof of vaccination is required. For a schedule of public skates and swims, visit our website.

The City will still be offering winter break camps at the John Dolson Centre but with limited capacity. The current camps going ahead include:

  • Kinder Camp (ages 4-5)
  • Winter Break Camp (ages 6-12)

For more information and to register for camp, visit www.cambridge.ca/camps

Winterfest New Year’s Eve Skate event will not be going ahead as originally planned. However, residents can still enjoy the Winter Illumination installations across the city until Jan 2. For a map of the light displays, visit www.cambridgecelebrates.ca.

As well, the holiday digital light projection show outside the Old Post Office continues to run weekly (Thursday to Sunday).

CP Rail’s annual Holiday Train will remain a virtual event for this year. Residents can stay up-to-date on event details on the CP Rail website.

There will be reduced capacities and restriction on rentals at City facilities.

Farmers’ Market

The Cambridge Farmers’ Market is already operating with reduced capacity numbers and remains open on Saturdays. 

As well, the online Cambridge Christmas Market showcases products from more than 40 local artisans, crafters and makers runs until December 20 offering multiple delivery options.

The City is monitoring the evolving situation and will continue to update any further changes. Stay safe everyone.