Categories: Lifestyle

Here’s what changes as Toronto enters Stage 1 of reopening this Friday

Photos by @distillerydistrictto & @chezlavelle

Toronto enters the beginnings of reopening this Friday with Stage 1 of Ontario’s reopening plan official going into effect. Much of the city is already abuzz in anticipation of the change. After months in lockdown, who can blame ’em?? But there are a few things you should know before Stage 1 officially begins.

Here’s what will be allowed in Toronto beginning this Friday, June 11th:

Outdoor gatherings will be allowed with up to 10 people, so plan that picnic outing folks. Outdoor religious service will also be allowed, capped at however many people can attend while maintaining 2 metres of physical distance. Indoor religious services will be capped at 15% capacity.

Also capped at 15% capacity will be the newly reopening non-essential retail spots. The stores deemed essential that have been open this entire time will remain capped at 25% capacity. However, those silly caution tape restrictions blocking the sale of certain items will be no more.

Perhaps the most exciting of it all is the reopening of outdoor dining. You can stop by your favourite patio this weekend, as long as your table remains within the limit of 4 people.

Outdoor fitness classes will also be back in business, capped like outdoor gatherings at 10 people. Plus, outdoor attractions like zoos and gardens will be allowed to reopen again!

Other exciting changes include the reopening of outdoor concert venues for broadcasted performances. Not to be confused with live performances, we won’t be in the audience just yet. But as long as there are 10 performers or less, concerts can happen at these places and be live-streamed to us.

Short-term rentals are allowed again, including overnight stays at campsites in Ontario Parks.

Photo via Shutterstock

Stage 1 is set to last at least 21 days, with the province re-evaluating the situation at a later date. Things will move forward at that time as long as Ontario hits a few requirements. At least 70% of adults with one dose of the vaccine and 20% of adults with two doses.

For now, we’re just pumped that patio season is pack and we can hang with our friends at the park. It’s the little things, folks! You can find all the details of Ontario’s reopening plan here.