Mississauga says sports and other programs good to go as proof of vaccination deadline looms

City of Mississauga officials say they’re not expecting to have to alter any of their sports, fitness or other programs as new proof of COVID-19 vaccination rules take effect this Monday for people aged 12 and older who’ll be looking to enter hockey arenas, community centres and other municipal facilities in the days and weeks ahead. 

“We do not anticipate any disruptions in providing programming,” an email statement from City Community Services staff reads, continuing that the City “…was issued the Letter of Instruction from Region of Peel on Oct. 15. At that time, we issued a news release and also email blasts letting parents and guardians know about the new requirements. 

“At this time, our City-run programming will be able to proceed with those able to provide proof of vaccination.” 

Meanwhile, the Mississauga Hockey League (MHL), which has thousands of young hockey players on hundreds of teams that use City rinks, says it’s not concerned about any unvaccinated players or coaches altering its schedule in any way. 

“The Mississauga Hockey League is up and running with fully vaccinated coaches and players (those 12 and over, that is),” MHL executive director Jeff Leavens wrote in a comment in response to an insauga.com story published yesterday that indicated hockey and other minor sports leagues, in addition to fitness and swimming classes, will be put on hold because not enough coaches, instructors and players have been fully vaccinated. 

In that story, Caledon Mayor Allan Thompson, concerned the looming deadline will cause major headaches for municipalities that now have to calm an anxious public, was quoted as asking Peel Public Health officials at yesterday’s Peel Region Council meeting for an extension of the Nov. 1 deadline. 

He was told by Peel’s Medical Officer of Health Dr. Lawrence Loh the deadline is firm and no changes will be made. 

In a statement today, Loh said starting next week, Peel Public Health “will begin progressive enforcement activities, which include education through to enforcement (tickets), throughout the region to ensure that people are following the new vaccine requirements.”

Also in attendance at yesterday’s meeting were Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie and Mississauga councillors, none of whom stated publicly they shared any of Thompson’s concerns. 

Earlier this month, Peel Region put the public on notice that Nov. 1 is the deadline for all participants 12 and older (which includes players, coaches, instructors, caregivers, volunteers and game officials) to begin providing proof of vaccination before entering sports and recreational fitness facilities in Mississauga, Brampton and Caledon. 

City officials say that, come Monday, staff at Mississauga recreation and culture facilities will be on-site collecting proof of vaccination requirements for all visitors in accordance with the direction from Peel Public Health.