It's not clear if Niagara's two casinos will reopen Friday as the region enters Stage 3.
While casinos are allowed to reopen, table games at casinos are not permitted.
An official with Fallsview Casino tells CKTB a decision has not been made as of yet.
A previous letter was sent out to employees stating they would not reopen during Stage 3.
Here is the letter:
UPDATE FROM RICHARD
July 17, 2020
To All Associates:
I hope you and your loved ones are well and enjoying these hot and sunny Summer days. Today, 24 regions across Ontario move to Stage 3 of the Province’s re-opening framework. This is an important step in the economic recovery of the Province. Most businesses and public spaces in these regions are able to re-open with appropriate public health and workplace safety measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Although Niagara is not yet moving to Stage 3, we do anticipate positive news on Monday. If Niagara public health indicators remain low, Niagara will likely be approved to move to Stage 3 on Friday, July 24.
In terms of what to expect, I wanted to share some of the current challenges we are facing as an industry. As part of Stage 3, Ontario has increased gathering limits to a maximum of 50 people. At this time, Casinos are able to open in Stage 3 with a maximum capacity of 50 customers per facility - and no table games. The Chief Medical Officer of Health and public health experts have put these stringent requirements in place to reduce large crowds from congregating indoors, to support physical distancing requirements, and to ensure that cleaning and disinfecting is sustainable. These restrictions are an important step to ensure all businesses and workplaces are safe. They also present a challenge that we did not anticipate given the stringent health and safety preparations we have made. The financial impact of these restrictions is significant on our business. We are working around the clock with the OLG, AGCO, Canadian Gaming Association, Service Providers and Ontario Public Health to better understand these restrictions and to determine the best approach for re-opening that ensures the safety of our associates and our customers is the top priority – and also considers the long term viability of our business. We simply cannot open if it does not make financial sense to do so.
We continue to work through the details and I expect to be able to share more information in a Message to all associates next week. The good news is that we are taking positive steps closer to re-opening! While it may be different than we envisioned, it is still forward momentum. We continue to implement physical barriers, signage, and department training and procedures to support our return to work efforts. And…the new carpet path has been installed and looks fantastic! I can’t wait for you to see it. Videos and pictures are being updated on our associate Facebook and Instagram accounts – check them out!
I will provide a more comprehensive update when we have worked through all the details with our key stakeholders and have a sustainable business plan to support our health and safety measures and ensure Niagara Casinos is Safe to Work and Safe to Play.
In the meantime, enjoy this time with your loved ones and stay safe!
Sincerely,
Richard Taylor
Some places considered high-risk will continue to be closed such as amusement and water parks, buffet-style food services, overnight stays at camps for children, private karaoke rooms, saunas, steam rooms, bath houses and oxygen bars.
Marineland had posted on social media that the Niagara Falls park would reopen this Friday.
There's no word on if that plan is a go-ahead with amusement parks specifically mentioned in the list of places unable to open.