'Definitely excited': Waterloo Region gyms, restaurants eager to return to full capacity Monday
Business owners in Waterloo Region say they're excited to return to full capacity on Monday.
Friday afternoon, Premier Doug Ford announced more non-essential businesses that require proof of COVID-19 vaccination, including restaurants, gyms, and casinos, can return to full capacity starting next week.
Also beginning Monday, the government will allow other settings like museums and personal care services to lift capacity limits and physical distancing, if they choose to require proof of vaccination.
"I think it's a step in the right direction and happy we are moving forward," said Monica Jutzi with Janet Lynn's Bistro in Kitchener. "Everyone is making reservations and everybody is wanting to get out there. Some are still hesitant but we have been doing well, our numbers are good."
The move toward lifting capacity limits comes as business owners look to financially recover from ongoing pandemic restrictions.
"This will be incredibly significant to our revenue," said David Marskell, chief executive of THEMUSEUM. "I think both that people will be able to come out in large numbers but also psychologically people will say it's safe to."
"We are cautiously optimistic but definitely excited,” said Matt Rolleman, owner of Gym 41 in Kitchener
There's also excitement for further reopening benchmarks in the coming months. The provincial government announced vaccine passports could be phased out in the New Year, with mask mandates potentially lifted late March.
"As we get into the winter and spring we will continue to follow the news to see when we can be wide open," Marskell said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.