COVID-19 Enforcement

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Emergency regulations have been put in place both provincially and municipally to help slow the spread of COVID-19. This includes regulations for physical distancing, gatherings, and entering enclosed public places.

For the most up-to-date regulations, visit the Province of Ontario's COVID-19 page.

Face masks and coverings

Regional Council recently passed bylaws that require mask wearing on transit and in enclosed public places as of July 13. These bylaws make it mandatory for residents to wear face coverings in enclosed public places such as trains and buses, shopping malls and retail shops and more.

Visit the Region of Waterloo's website for the most up-to-date information on these bylaws.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is required to wear a face covering under this bylaw?

Any customer, patron, employee or visitor, who enters an enclosed public place must wear a mask except for those who are exempt.

Who is NOT required to wear a face covering?

The bylaws exempt:

Children under the age of five.
Those who are unable to wear a face covering as a result of a medical condition or a disability. Some disabilities are invisible so we ask people to respect that. The bylaw does not require people to provide proof to support an exemption.
A person engaged in a sport or other strenuous physical activity.
A person who is assisting or accommodating someone who has a hearing loss or a hearing disability.
A person who is consuming food/drink as part of a religious activity within a place of worship.

Does the bylaw require business owners to turn away people who are not wearing masks?

No. There is no requirement under the bylaw for businesses to refuse entry to those not wearing face coverings. Businesses may choose to have their own policies that require masks.

Can businesses require proof of exemption?

No. The bylaw does not require people to provide proof to support an exemption.

Where am I required to wear a face covering?

Face coverings are required in the following locations:

Buses, bus shelters, ION trains and ION platforms
Stores and shopping malls
Indoor areas of restaurants and bars, with the exception of patrons consuming food/drink
Professional services such as counselling, personal care, funeral homes, repair and rental services
Lobby areas of commercial buildings
Hotels and motels, with the exception of rented rooms
Laundromats
Indoor areas of fitness centres, gyms and recreational and sports facilities
Indoor concert venues, theatres and cinemas
Arcades and other indoor amusement facilities
Museums, galleries, historic sites, etc.
Places of worship
Municipal buildings

For more detail on exceptions, please consult the actual bylaws.

Where are face coverings NOT required?

The bylaws do not cover:

Federal or provincial buildings
Colleges, universities or schools
Hospitals or health facilities
Offices of regulated health professionals
Employee-only areas of businesses and other buildings
Outdoor areas in streets, parks, sports facilities and patios
Child care facilities and day camps
Care facilities for the elderly and people with disabilities

Does the bylaw affect summer day camps?

No. Day camps are exempt. The bylaw applies only to indoor places that are accessible to the general public. However, campers are welcome to provide and wear a clean mask each day should they wish so long as they are able to safely put on and remove their mask independently.

Are masks required at public pools?

No. Masks are not required to be worn on the pool deck and cannot be worn when you are swimming. Masks can pose a safety risk if covering your mouth and nose while wet.

Are masks required for splashpads?

No. Masks are not required at City splashpads however they are encouraged whenever physical distancing is not possible.

How can establishments notify customers, patrons, employees or visitors about the bylaw?

Business owners/operators are responsible for posting clearly visible bylaw signage at all entrances. Decals and posters can be picked up at local city halls and township administrative offices or from local Chambers of Commerce.

Businesses can also print their own signs and bylaw reminder cards to give to patrons.

Who is providing the face coverings?

Residents must supply their own face covering. Some business owners/operators will supply masks but they are not required to do so.

Will the face covering bylaw be enforced?

Bylaw Enforcement continues to take an education-first approach, asking people to comply with the bylaw and educating them on the importance of protecting each other. We are appealing to residents’ goodwill and willingness to cooperate for the greater good.

Do I still need to stay at least 2 metres (6 feet) away from people if wearing a face covering?

This is ideal and should be practiced whenever possible. Wearing a face covering is an important additional measure, especially when physical distancing is not possible. Continue to practice other health measures such as washing your hands frequently.

Do I have to show proof that I am exempt from the bylaw?

No proof is required to show you are exempt from wearing a face covering. The expectation is that individuals who self-identify as exempt should be allowed into an enclosed public place.

How do I report someone for not wearing a face covering?

It’s important to keep in mind that Regional bylaw enforcement will not be able to respond to all calls and will be focusing on education and compliance rather than enforcement. Business owners/operators can contact Region of Waterloo Bylaw Enforcement if non-compliance is significant and ongoing and additional educational resources and support are needed. Please complete a bylaw feedback form or call the Region of Waterloo Contact Centre at 519-575-4400.

Residents wishing to report non-compliance can also fill out the bylaw feedback form, call the Region of Waterloo at 519-575-4400 or the City of Cambridge bylaw line at 519-623-134- x7907.

Guidelines for parks, trails and facilities

Playgrounds

All city playground re-opened to the public on July 17. With more than 65 playgrounds in total throughout the city, individual monitoring and equipment sanitizing throughout the day is not possible. Residents are reminded that all playground activity is at the risk of the user and should be monitored closely by parents.

While masks are not required, playground users are asked to maintain physical distancing on the equipment. Please ensure hands are washed or sanitized before and after playground use.

View some tips for playground safety.

Splash pads

Three of the City’s larger splashpads at Forbes Park, Riverside Park, and Churchill Park re-opened as of Saturday, July 4. They are open between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. daily, weather permitting.

Please note that due to physical distancing requirements, the number of users allowed on the splashpads at one time will be limited according to the space available. There may be times where users may have to wait for access. To allow fair access for everyone, 20-minute time blocks may be in effect during busy periods.

Users will be asked to follow guidance provided by the splashpad supervisor, and to be patient as we provide the added protections required to offer safe use. Splashpads are disinfected daily, and touch points are wiped down between users groups.

Pools

The John Dolson (indoor) and Ed Newland (outdoor) pools opened to the public on Saturday, July 4 and will host both recreational swims and lessons.

Swim lessons will be modified to follow guidelines and health precautions as set out by the Province of Ontario and Waterloo Regional Public Health, including lower ratios and capacity, physical distancing, mandatory health screenings, and enhanced facility cleaning.

With smaller capacity, swim lesson registration will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration for all lessons opens on Tuesday, July 7 at noon, either online at www.cambridge.ca/coral or in person at City Hall. For more details including fees and schedules, visit www.cambridge.ca/swim.

Read our news release for more details.

Parks and Amenities

In alignment with the easing of provincial restrictions in parks and trails, the City of Cambridge reopened many outdoor amenities, including:

Basketball courts

All city outdoor Basketball courts are open for unstructured play. Physical distancing of 2 m is still required except for members of the same household or social circle of up to 10 people.

Please note that touch surfaces are not sanitized. It is recommended that users bring their own personal hand sanitizer for their use.

Disc Golf

Practice physical distancing of a minimum of 2 m except for members of the same household or social circle of up to 10 people. Please be sure not to share your discs.

Maple Grove Dog Park

Physical distancing of a minimum of 2 m is required at all times. Please note that touch surfaces such as gate latches, etc. are not sanitized. It is recommended that users bring their own personal hand sanitizer for their use.

Picnic Shelters

All picnic shelters are available for individual or family use on a first come first serve basis only; no reservations are being taken at this time.

Please note these and all the recently opened amenities are not sanitized, and it is recommended that users bring their own personal hand sanitizer for their use.

Skateboard Facilities

Skateboard facilities are open for daily use until dusk at Riverside Park, Churchill Park, and at Greengate Park.

Physical distancing of 2 m still applies; even while waiting to use the facility. If users are not from the same household or social circle, they should take turns to allow individuals an opportunity to safely use the facility.

Sports Fields

Sports fields are open for individual use and modified game play. Please note that washrooms and changerooms are not available at this time. Physical distancing of 2 m is still required except for members of the same household or social circle of up to 10 people.

Users are reminded to follow all equipment cleaning requirements, as sanctioned by their organizations.

Tennis Courts

Public Tennis Courts at both Riverside Park and Willard Park are currently open for daily use until 10pm. As per Tennis Canada play is recommended for families and individuals of the same household, and players considered to be of low risk. Players are also asked to not share any equipment with their partner. For more information please see Tennis Canada’s website for tips and recommendations.

When waiting for court availability, physical distancing of 2 m is still required. Our three tennis clubs at Victoria Park Galt, Soper Park and Forbes Park are open.

Volleyball Courts

Beach volleyball courts are open for modified game play. Physical distancing of 2 m is still required except for members of the same household or social circle of up to 10 people.

Please note that washrooms and changerooms are not available at this time. Users are reminded to follow all equipment cleaning requirements, as sanctioned by their organizations.

General Rules

Maintain physical distancing (at least 2 m, except for members of the same household or social circle of up to 10 people).
Keep your dog on a leash
Leave if the park or trail gets too crowded
Avoid crowded parking lots by only using parks or trails you can walk to
It is recommended that users bring their own personal hand sanitizer for their use.

What's allowed

Use of skateparks, disc golf, basketball courts, sports fields and tennis courts in modified format of play with proper distancing where possible
Activities such as playing catch, throwing a Frisbee, kicking a ball, flying a kite
Bringing your own chair or blanket for sitting
Individual activity including personal fitness exercises or yoga practice
Picnic tables, park benches or shelters in parks or recreational areas are available for use provided that users maintain a physical distance of at least 2 m.
Walk the trails while maintaining physical distance

What not to do

Engage in any group activities with more than 100 people

Contacts

Measures under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act during COVID-19 are enforced by multiple areas.

See the chart below for who to contact with questions or concerns.

Who to contact
Contact	Contact for:	How to contact
Region of Waterloo	Business-related concerns or questions; mask non-compliance	(519) 575-4400
City of Cambridge	Report events & gatherings of more than 100 people (outdoors) or 50 people (indoors)	(519) 623-1340, ext. 7907 bylaw@cambridge.ca
Province of Ontario	Report price gouging	Report online