Coronavirus (COVID-19) response

Starting September 22, proof of vaccination or a valid exemption are required to enter recreation facilities. Full details below.

On this page

  1. Proof of vaccination
  2. Services changes
  3. Public washrooms available to the public
  4. Community support
  5. Business support
  6. Arts and culture support

Last updated September 23 at 11:30 a.m.

Proof of vaccination

Following Ontario's Proof of Vaccination Policy, starting September 22 you must provide proof of full vaccination (2 shots plus 14 days) and government-issued ID to enter:

  • RIM Park Manulife Sportsplex
  • Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex
  • Albert McCormick Community Centre
  • Moses Springer Community Centre
  • Manulife Soccer and Sports Complex at Bechtel Park
  • The Adult Recreation Centre
  • Wing 404

You can show a paper or digital copy of your vaccine receipt. Visit Ontario.ca to get a digital copy. The name on the receipt must match your ID. We will accept:

  • Birth certificate
  • Citizenship card
  • Drivers licence
  • Government identification card, including health card
  • Indian Status Card /Indigenous Membership Card
  • Passport
  • Permanent Resident card

We will verify this information upon arrival but it will not be recorded.

Exceptions

Exceptions to the policy include anyone:

  • under 12
  • under 18 who is playing a sport (exemption does not apply to spectators)
  • placing, paying or picking up an order
    • with a medical exemption - this must be a written document from a physician (MD), registered nurse extended class (RNEC) or nurse practitioner (NP) and must include:
    • name of person seeking medical exemption (must match the name on your ID)
    • name and contact information of the MD, RNEC, or NP
    • logo or letterhead identifying the MD, RNEC or NP
    • statement of medical reason for exemption from being fully vaccinated against COVID-19
    • an effective time period for the medical reason

Note that exemptions for use of an indoor washroom will not be allowed at recreation facilities, with the exception of the Adult Recreation Centre which has had a publicly-available washroom.

Go to Ontario Regulation 645/21 or the province's frequently asked questions page for more details.

Service changes

All city facilities are open and general gathering limits are:

  • maximum 100 people for outdoor gatherings
  • maximum 25 people for organized indoor gatherings

Outdoor sports fields and diamonds open for team play

team play and training are be allowed on city fields and and diamonds with mandatory physical distancing, no contact rules in place, and additional sport-specific COVID protocols. Spectators are allowed as long as physical distancing is maintained.

Funeral services

Outdoor funeral services at our cemeteries do not have capacity requirements, though physical distancing is required. 30 people are allowed indoors at the Parkview Cemetery Chapel.

City hall and the service centre

City hall and the service centre are open to the public. Masks are still required and you must complete a screening form before entering.

Appointments are encouraged but not required with the exception of Engineering Services.

Make an appointment 

Marriage ceremonies

You can get married at city hall (indoors and outdoors) with up to 9 people at the service. Walk-ins are available.

Outdoor rentals

You can rent outdoor spaces in parks including picnic spaces and sports fields. Visit our rentals page to book.

Public washrooms available to the public

Check our public washrooms page for all locations available to the public.

Community support

For a list of local community supports, visit the Region of Waterloo's community support webpage. This includes food delivery, and public spaces open for warming or washroom use.

Waterloo at Home

City staff and community partners have come together to create Waterloo At Home - a curation of helpful tips and resources for residents to make the best of their time at home. 

Using Engage Waterloo as the platform, Waterloo At Home is a one-stop-shop for ideas, resources and stories aimed at keeping residents active, connected and creative at home. 

City of Waterloo neighbourhood newsletter

We're all neighbours. Now more than ever, sharing information and having points of connection is important.

We publish a weekly email newsletter with information to help you stay informed and socially connected while physically distancing.

View current edition

Subscribe

Past editions

To contact the neighbourhoods team during this time, email neighbourhoods@waterloo.ca

Business support

Our economic development office is working with regional partners to monitor and assess impacts on businesses in the City of Waterloo.

We have put together a series of resources to help during this time. For questions or additions/changes to the list, please contact ecdev@waterloo.ca or follow us on Twitter or LinkedIn.

The Waterloo Region Small Business Centre and Uptown Business Improvement Area also have helpful resources for local businesses.

To stay up to date on programs and business stories, sign up for the Smart Business Newsletter.

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COVID-Relief business grants

Our economic development office is offering a Community Improvement Plan (CIP) to offer small to medium sized businesses a grant of up to $2,500 to help businesses recover and grow.

Apply for a grant

Local and regional grants and support

Resources for operating your business

Government of Canada resources and programs

As programs are changing regularly, please check Canada’s Program for managing your Business during COVID-19 for the most up to date information.

Helping business avoid layoffs and rehiring

Helping businesses access credit and funds

Other organizations offering support

Province of Ontario

Other organizations offering support

Arts and culture support

The city's arts and culture team has put together a series of resources to help during this time.

For further updates, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Advocacy groups with resources

Grants and financial support

Learning resources