Businesses reopen in Kingston, Ont. with capacity limits

Ontario's first step in it's three step reopening plan came into effect Jan. 31, 2022. Indoor activities like dining and attending gyms are permitted with capacity limits.

January 31 is the first opening day in several weeks for businesses like restaurants and fitness facilities.

The majority of those businesses face a 50% capacity limit in the first step of the Ontario government’s three step reopening plan.

Josh Maveety the owner of UFIT Kingston a gym in the city’s west end says the capacity limits don’t impact his business to any real degree.

Maveety says the challenge to keeping his business going has been dealing with multiple shutdowns since the pandemic was declared.

Government subsidies only go so far, he says.

“We’re sitting here trying to scrape and stay alive, and thank you for your grants, but we still owe you the money,” said Maveety.

The Kingston Frontenacs, the city’s OHL franchise, will host four home games under the province’s first phase.

Arenas like the Leon Centre where the Frontenacs play are currently limited to 50% capacity or 500 people whichever is less. The limit is a challenge for a team that has 1800 season ticket holders.