As Ottawa transitions to the provincial Red-Control status, the City will continue to offer many of the same recreation services with reduced capacities. The City’s counter service operations will remain unchanged from the previous status.
Impacted City recreation activities
Three metres of physical distancing will continue to be required in weight and cardio rooms. Public skating, fitness and sport activities by reservation will continue with the reduced 10-person capacity. Swimming pool capacities continue to be significantly reduced to support physical distancing between swimmers.
In addition, this more restrictive status does not permit the playing of team sports or scrimmages and only training activities are permitted. As a result, team sporting activities, like volleyball, hockey, and basketball, will be limited to training and drills, while respecting physical distancing. Sports that allow for physical distancing and involve doubles play only, like pickleball and badminton, will be permitted.
Public swimming, lane swims and select fitness activities continue
Make a reservation up to two days in advance for swimming, weight and cardio rooms and select sport activities. Visit ottawa.ca/recreation to view schedules and activity offerings at facilities that are open.
Outdoor refrigerated rinks – weather permitting
Skating on the outdoor refrigerated rinks will continue by reservation only, with a maximum capacity of 25 skaters per session.
Cultural programs continue
Select cultural programs continue to run by reservation only at Nepean Visual Arts Centre and Shenkman Arts Centre with the reduced 10-person capacity.
Karsh-Masson Gallery and City Hall Art Gallery continue to operate with reduced hours and physical distancing measures in place. Corridor 45|75 at Rideau Station is open daily.
Facility rentals – new capacity restrictions
Select City rental spaces will be available to accommodate up to a maximum of 10 people indoors and 25 people outdoors, provided the space allows for adequate physical distancing of at least two metres.
In-person counter services continue
The City’s by-appointment counter services will remain unchanged from the previous provincial framework status. These services include:
- Service Ottawa Client Service Centres and Building Code Service counters at City Hall and Ben Franklin Place
- The Business Licensing Centre at 735 Industrial Avenue
- The City’s Central Archives’ Reference Room at the James K. Bartleman Centre, located at 100 Tallwood Drive
Employment and Social Services and Rent Supplement Program offices provide in-person service by appointment only and counter services are available between 9 am and 3 pm.
Ottawa Public Library branches
Thirty-one of the Ottawa Public Library’s 33 branches are currently open. In addition to library material holds pickup and returns, 28 of those branches are offering in-person services, such as: browsing of the collection, use of public computers by appointment, reading suggestions, and card registration and renewals. Capacity is limited.
Three branches are offering contactless holds pickup and returns. Visit BiblioOttawaLibrary.ca for the latest service updates, access to digital resources and requests for library items.