On May 6, 2020, Ontario amended its list of certain businesses and workplaces that will be allowed to reopen as long as they comply with strict public health measures and ensure that they operate safety during the COVID-19 outbreak.

For more information about the Safety Guidelines for Employers for the gradual reopening of the economy, please refer to our In a Flash article Ontario Announces Safety Guidelines for Employers for the Gradual Re-Opening of the Economy

• Specifically, the amendments now deem the following businesses as essential: Construction of below-grade multi-unit residential construction projects like apartments and condominiums.
• Garden centres and nurseries will be able to open for in-store payment and purchases as early as Friday, May at 12:01 am;
• Hardware stores and safety supply stores will be permitted to open for in-store payment and purchases as early as Saturday, May 9 at 12:01 am; and
• Retail stores with a street entrance may begin offering curbside pickup and delivery on Monday, May 11 at 12:01 am.

It must be noted that an official amendment to the Regulation for the above have not yet been released by the government.

Finally, the existing Regulation detailing all other businesses deemed essential by the Ontario Government can be found here.

The reopening of these business is part of Stage 1 of the Provinces reopening plan, discussed in more detail in our In A Flash Most Provinces Announce Strategies to Reopen Economy.

If you have any questions about this topic, other COVID-19 related questions, or would like assistance with developing and/or reviewing pandemic plans, please do not hesitate to contact a Mathews Dinsdale lawyer, or refer to the Firm’s other COVID-19 website resources.