| October 8, 2021, 4:47 PM
Ontario has given the green light for the Toronto Maple Leafs, Ottawa Senators and Toronto Raptors to have full capacity for home games this season.
Sport Minister Lisa MacLeod confirmed the news on Friday.
- Spectator areas of facilities for sports and recreational fitness (would not include gyms, personal training);
- Meeting and event spaces (indoor meeting and event spaces will still need to limit capacity to the number that can maintain physical distancing);
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— Lisa MacLeod (@MacLeodLisa) October 8, 2021
Previously, COVID-19 rules allowed only 50 per cent capacity at indoor venues.
The Leafs' season opener is Wednesday against the Montreal Canadiens, while the Senators open the following night against Toronto.
“Throughout the process of re-opening our venues to fans, which included working closely with the Province over many months, health and safety has been our shared top priority and we are overjoyed to see this day arrive when we are able to welcome a full venue to cheer on the Maple Leafs and Raptors,” Michael Friisdahl, president & CEO of Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment, said in a statement. “We are grateful to all levels of government for their partnership in this process and we recognize there will continue to be much work to do together to ensure the safest environment possible for every event attendee and our community. Today, though, is an exciting day for our teams, our fans and our community and we look forward to a safe and enjoyable season.”
The decision by Ontario leaves the Vancouver Canucks as the only NHL team not to be granted permission to have full capacity yet this season. Currently, B.C. is allowing 50 per cent capacity at Canucks games.
The Raptors kick off their season on Oct. 20 against the visiting Washington Wizards.
Ontario's move also will allow the province's 17 OHL teams to fill their buildings.
