A number of Ontario attraction agencies and convention centres suspended, or adjusted their programming Friday, in light of the latest government recommendation to reduce the spread of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19.
"The Government of Ontario's top priority will always be the health and well-being of Ontarians," said Christine Elliot, deputy premier and minister of health, and Lisa MacLeadon minister of heritage, sport, tourism and culture industries in a statement.
"To help contain the spread of COVID-19, Dr. David Williams, Ontario's Chief Medical Officer of Health, has recommended the immediate suspension of all gatherings over 250 people because of this pandemic."
This recommendation will be applied at the following locations, according to their unique properties:
Ontario Science Centre
The science centre will be closed from March 14 to April 5. Special events and programming, including March Break camps, have been cancelled. A full refund will be provided.
Royal Ontario Museum
The ROM was closed on March 13, with plans to reopen April 5. All programs, internal and external events have been cancelled.
Art Gallery of Ontario
The AGO was closed March 13, with plans to reopen April 5. Customers who have booked tickets, events, or programming, will be contacted to arrange refunds or exchanges once the gallery has reopened. The Contact Centre will be closed in the meantime.
Ottawa Convention Centre (Shaw Centre)
The Shaw Centre will remain open aside from cancelling/ postponing events of 250 or more. The organization has increased preventive measures including cleaning regiments, for the safety of staff and customers.
Metro Toronto Convention Centre
The centre remains open but will be adopting the directions and recommendations of the Province of Ontario. The organization has increased preventive measures including cleaning regiments, for the safety of staff and customers.
Science North
Science North, Dynamic Earth and the IMAX theatre was closed on March 13. Those that purchased tickets in advance are asked to contact the reservations office to reschedule their visit or arrange an exchange of credit.
Niagara Parks Commission
The Niagara Parks Commission will be closing all public-facing operations including transportation services beginning March 14, with plans to reopen April 6. This closure extends to Niagara Parks attractions, restaurants, retail stores and golf courses, as well as the WEGO Green Line bus service and Falls Incline Railway. All public programming and events will also be suspended at this time. Niagara Parks will be contacting customers who have booked tickets, events or programming to arrange for refunds or schedule their tickets.
St. Lawrence Parks Commission
No information was available on their website. Find direct contact information by following the link provided.
McMichael Canadian Art Gallery
The McMichael Canadian Art Collection was closed March 13, with plans to reopen April 7. All public programs and events have been cancelled through to April 30. March Break camps have been cancelled and parents have been notified with appropriate refund information. The parking lot and public outdoor restrooms will also be closed. Current memberships will be extended for the amount of time that the gallery is closed.
Royal Botanical Gardens
The gardens will be closed from March 13 to April 6. This closure includes all private and public events, camps, public programs, gardens and natural areas. RBG clients that have already purchased tickets will receive a full refund.
Ontario Place Corporation
Ontario Place has cancelled all movies in the Cinesphere until April 5. The park remains open during this time.
Ontario Heritage Trust
No information was available on their website. Find direct contact information by following the link provided.
