Windsor Spitfires host first fan-attended home game in 19 months
The OHL's Windsor Spitfires returned to the ice Sunday at the WFCU Centre, but this time, in front of a home crowd for the first time since the pandemic began in March, 2020.
About 1,000 fans had tickets for the game against the Hamilton Bulldogs, but recent provincial changes to indoor capacity limits could mean more fans at local games.
The province announcing Friday, arenas like the WFCU Centre will be allowed 50 per cent capacity, up to 10,000 people.
“We had to ensure they could do it safely and we did it in a staged and phased way, and we’ll continue to address other venues we’re holding back,” says Dr. Kieran Moore, Ontario’s medical officer of health.
That means at an arena like WFCU, instead of 1,000 fans, roughly 3,200 people will be able to attend.
Spits management will review Sunday’s experience and determine next steps this week.
Fans taking in the Windsor Spitfires game at the WFCU Centre against the Hamilton Bulldogs on Sunday Sept. 26, 2021. (Rich Garton / CTV News)Convention centres and banquet halls across the province also got a boost for capacity limits.
But not all venues feel they’re getting equal treatment.
“They need to put common sense to the rules. Once you put common sense to any rules, it’ll make sense,” says Ron Moro, general manager of the Giovanni Caboto Club.
The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit has restricted local indoor events like wedding, to a maximum of 100 people and dancing only allowed between the marital couple.
The club hosted a wedding Saturday night — and while the bride and groom were happy, staff had to come down on a few guests for starting to dance.
“It’s not nice that we essentially have to police the event and indicate to people, sorry, you can’t dance, even if you’re by your table. Cause you want to dance, you just can’t,” says Moro.
Ron Moro says checking vaccine certification is another extra task they’re happy to perform, but would like to see monetary compensation from the government.
“That’s even more difficult for Windsor. We’re hoping they realize those rules don’t make a lot of sense and they need to change them of massage them,” Moro says.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
Prince William and wife Kate thank public for birthday messages for son Louis
Prince William and his wife Kate thanked the public for their messages which had been sent to mark the sixth birthday of their youngest son Louis on Tuesday.
She was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father. Then life dealt her a blow
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
'Catch-and-kill' strategy to be a focus as testimony resumes in Trump hush money case
A veteran tabloid publisher was expected to return to the witness stand Tuesday in Donald Trump's historic hush money trial.
Quebec farmers have been protesting since December. Is anyone listening?
Upset about high interest rates, growing paperwork and heavy regulatory burdens, protesting farmers have become a familiar sight across Quebec since December.
South Korean sentenced to 14 months in jail for killing 76 cats
South Korean man has been sentenced to 14 months in prison for killing 76 cats in one of the country's most gruesome cases of animal cruelty in recent years.