Mississauga tells residents to get their proof of vaccination ready for next week

Starting next Wednesday, residents who want to visit Mississauga restaurants, fitness centres, sports facilities, entertainment venues and other indoor spaces must provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination or they won’t be allowed to enter. 

Ontario’s new COVID-19 vaccine certificate system takes effect on Sept. 22. Patrons will need to show proof of full vaccination and a piece of ID—driver’s licence, birth certificate, health card or passport—to enter settings such as restaurants, theatres and gyms. The provincial government says those who don’t follow the rules can be fined. 

City of Mississauga officials remind residents that many of its facilities, such as City-owned fitness centres, will require the same proof of vaccination. Exemptions will be made as permitted by Ontario government regulations. 

“We continue to take every action possible to protect the health and safety of our residents, which is why requiring proof of vaccination for indoor settings makes sense,” said Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie. “We need to keep our local businesses and indoor services open and safe to avoid another lockdown.” 

City officials say those who need their vaccine certificate can print or download their vaccination receipt from the provincial booking portal. To help residents who don’t have access to a printer, all Mississauga libraries, where proof of vaccination is not required, are providing free printing service for those needing a paper copy of their vaccine certificate. 

“We are working behind the scenes to train our staff and volunteers on how and when to check for vaccination certificates and they will be able to assist you when visiting City of Mississauga facilities,” said City Manager Paul Mitcham. “It’s recommended that fully vaccinated residents begin to carry their vaccine certificates and a piece of ID with them in case they need it, starting Sept. 22.” 

Vaccine certificates are required in indoor areas such as: 

• Restaurants, bars and other food or drink establishments
• Meeting and event spaces, including conferencecentresor convention centres 
• Facilities used for sports and recreational fitness activities, including waterparks and personal physical fitness trainers
• Facilities where spectators watch events
• Casinos, bingo halls and other gaming establishments
• Concert venues, theatres and cinemas
• Both the indoor and outdoor areas of food or drink establishments where dance facilities are provided, including nightclubs,restoclubs and other similar establishments 

Proof of vaccination is not required in: 

• Libraries, courthouses or those accessing essential city services like paying tax bills or obtaining building permits
• Children under the age of 18 participating in an organized sport. However, spectators including parents and guardians must show proof of vaccination to enter
• Rental spaces used for day camps, child care and social services
• Wedding ceremonies, religious services/rites and funerals (ceremony only)  
• Gatherings at private residences
• Outdoor events

According to Ontario regulations, businesses must ensure the name and date of birth on the vaccination receipt match those on the identification document before allowing customers access to the venue. 

Businesses will not have to validate medical exemption notes that may be presented—officials say a standardized note is in the works. 

The province says enforcement officers are starting to visit businesses this week to discuss the system’s requirements, which apply to patrons but not venue workers. 

Businesses are instructed to contact law enforcement about harassment or threats over the policy. 

The government says all provincial offences officers—including bylaw, police and public health inspectors—can provide education on the system and issue fines related to it.