Recreation

Each person who enters an indoor facility for sports, recreation, meetings or events must show proof of vaccination and identification at the time of entry, which will be visually verified by staff. Verification is required for any individual who is not an employee working in or operating the facility.

When arriving at a facility, signage will indicate the main entrance. Vaccine verification is required when entering a facility, followed by contact and health screening. Please plan and adjust arrival times accordingly as you may experience wait times before entering. Thank you in advance for your patience and understanding.

No. Any vaccination records or documentation will only be visually verified - no information will be retained or copied.

Yes. Businesses and organizations are not permitted to retain vaccine records or status, so individuals will be required to show their proof of vaccination each time they enter the facility.

Proof of vaccination, identification and exemption requirements are determined by the Ministry of Health. For more information, visit www.hamilton.ca/ProofOfVaccination.

Identification is required to verify name and date of birth only.

• Must show Name and Date of Birth, issued from an institution or organization
• Does not need to include a picture
• Can be shown as a photocopy or digital/electronical version (on a device)
• Can be expired

Yes. The changeroom and pool deck are considered part of the recreation facility amenities and program spaces and as such, are areas where vaccine verification will be required for entry.

No. Members of the public will be permitted to quickly use the closest non-changeroom washroom and exit the building.

If you can no longer use your membership or attend a program that you or your child registered for as a result of the new vaccine verification requirements, you can receive a full refund and the cancellation fee will be waived. Refunds will be prorated for the remaining session or months. To cancel your program registration and/or request a refund, please email [email protected].

The following vaccine exemptions apply to recreation facilities:

• Children under 12 years of age
• Participants of organized sports under 18 years of age (e.g. sport leagues, swim lessons and registered sport programs)
• Individuals with a medical exemption and supporting documentation from a physician/nurse
• Individuals using the washroom or passing through an indoor space to access outdoor space
• Retail or admission/membership purchases (without the intent to stay)
• Individuals accessing social services (i.e. health services, vaccine clinic, meal/food access)

Participants are not required to show identification if:

• Accessing a program intended for children under 12 years of age.
• Accessing an organized sport program for youth 13-17 years of age.

Participants 13-17 years of age accessing a non-organized sport program are required to show proof of vaccination and identification in accordance with the Ministry of Health. For more information, visit www.hamilton.ca/ProofOfVaccination.

Yes. In City of Hamilton facilities, proof of vaccination is required for permit holders, their staff or volunteers, including coaches and officials. Anyone 18 years of age or older (for sport) or 12 years of age or older (for non-sport/spectators) must show proof of vaccination to enter the facility.

The worker exemption applies to City of Hamilton staff, volunteers, contractors, inspectors and/or delivery persons who are required to operate the facility.

The 12-17-year-old Organized Sport exemption includes participants of:

• School athletic programs 
• Organization rentals or leagues for the purpose of sport or instructed lessons
• Registered lessons:
  • Instructed sport 9-12 years of age
  • Swimming Lessons and Bronze certifications
  • Volleyball 13-17 years of age
  • Girls who Play/Train 13-17 years of age
  • Smash Raiders 12-14 years of age

The Organized Sport exemption does not include:

• National Lifeguard/First Aid certification
• Open Gym/Swim
• General Interest (music, arts) programs
• Fitness programs

No member of the public will be permitted to enter the facility without proof of vaccination or exemption.

The City of Hamilton has a Zero Tolerance policy. Anyone engaging in verbal assaults, threats or aggression, vandalism, or incitement of violence will be ejected from the property with a mandatory suspension from all municipal facilities. We ask that everyone attending a City recreation centre/arena contributes to a positive and supportive environment for children, their families, and community sport.