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Stage 3 limits still handcuff Barrie restaurant owner

Province allowing up to 50 people for indoor gatherings and events, but that's a little more than 10% of the seating capacity at Donaleigh's

Ontario’s economy reopening plan took a big step Monday afternoon as Premier Doug Ford announced the third stage of the plan, with nearly all businesses in select regions would have the green light as of this coming Friday.

As part of the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit's coverage area, Barrie has made the cut for the July 17 reopening under Stage 3 guidelines. 

Restaurant indoor-dining, bars, gyms and fitness centres, movie theatres and playgrounds and more were all given the go-ahead to reopen with strategic health and safety measures in place. 

Steve Ricalis, who owns Donaleigh’s Irish Pub and Dunlop Street Diner, says he is happy that things are moving along, but was hoping for a different way of measuring how many people can attend his establishments. 

“I’m not overly happy about the 50 people, when we can sit 500 in Donaleigh's,” Ricalis told BarrieToday. “Don’t get me wrong, this is a good announcement, but I wish it was a certain percentage of your capacity, which helps more. Hopefully, in two weeks they’ll open it to a bit more and we can leave this all behind us.”

Barrie Mayor Jeff Lehman could not be reached for comment today. 

Simcoe-Muskoka entered Stage 2 of the province's reopening plan on June 12.

Today’s announcement by Ford on what Stage 3 looks like has all but 10 health unit districts being allowed to move on from the previous stage.

Ford reiterated that all safety guidelines must be followed, including social distancing, enhanced cleaning protocols and plexiglas barriers.

Barrie-Innisfil MPP Andrea Khanjin said it was a “good day for Ontario and particularly the residents of Barrie, Innisfil and Simcoe County area.”

“Our region has so many people who have been caring for their neighbour and exercising physical distancing, as well as wearing masks when they need to, as a result, we can all celebrate that we are in stage three,” she told BarrieToday

Khanjin sais she was excited for the residents in the region who will be able to head back to their gyms and get a form of entertainment through live events 

“Some gyms, personal training and yoga have been operating outdoors, but this is certainly a game-changer for them indoors now,” Khanjin said. “As far as live entertainment, I think everyone wants to get out and enjoy themselves again. As long as it is done safely, this will be a big boost to those businesses and to everyone’s mental health.”

The government, in partnership with health and safety associations, has released more than 170 guidance resources at Ontario.ca/COVIDsafety to help employers in multiple sectors ― including fitness, restaurant and food services, and the performing arts ― keep spaces safe for workers and customers.

Guidance will be available for all spaces permitted to open in Stage 3. As they prepare to reopen, employers are strongly advised to review and implement appropriate measures to help protect their communities.