Status: Closed — this petition is no longer accepting signatures.
PETITION TO THE PROVINCE OF ONTARIO , CITY OF TORONTO TO DEEM AIR SUPPORTED STRUCTURES AS OUTDOOR SPACES
Final supporters
We, the owners, management and operators of sports facilities where fields and/or activity areas are within an Air Supported Structure (dome) submit this petition for the consideration of the Province of Ontario and City of Toronto to officially deem Air Supported Structures as outdoor spaces.
This petition is supported by the findings of Gerald N.Catt P.Eng BDS GSC (Consulting Engineer) – who has stated that, due to the continuous forced fresh air flow into these “domes”, that the air quality is comparable to outdoor conditions. These types of domes have a minimum internal height of 36' and can go as high as 70', and are held up by large volumes of fresh air that is constantly being replaced by more fresh air in order to maintain its pressre. Mr Catt has also stated that Air Supported Structures have a minimum of fifty (50) times more outside fresh air to that of an average 20’ x 20’ classroom.
With the fresh air component proving more than sufficient and within safe parameters, typical dome layouts can safely accommodate multiple groups of athletes while maintaining ample physical distancing.
Furthermore, prior to the November 23rd lockdown, many of the current dome operators around the City of Toronto have adjusted their operations, reduced capacities, set up sanitization points, and installed non-permeable barriers between areas as well as numerous other upgrades as required by the Public Health Authority so as to allow safe activity while inside these sports domes.
Considering the above, it should be considered SAFE to allow training and practice activities inside these domes in alignment with activities that are permitted outdoors during any control or lockdown stage.
Moreover , It is to our understanding that there have not been any breakouts within organized team sport training and practice in Ontario, as we have found that teams conducting their training sessions have been conducting all activities in a safe manner that include maintaining distancing, daily health checks and contract tracing, and sanitization of equipment and hands. In conclusion, air supported structures should be considered as Outdoors, that are safe and capable of hosting “outdoor gatherings or activities” in alignment with Public Health Authority guidelines.
As the City and Province take initiative to promote mental and physical health and wellbeing by opening up ice rinks and other winter programs, we believe that dome sports facilities should be allowed to open under the same guidelines and capacities as well.
For Reference:
Consultant Engineer Report - Air Supported Structures Safe During COVID-19
North Toronto Soccer Club Training Overview (0 Cases July to present)
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Updates
December 2, 2020
The engineering documentation from Gerald Catt is now being prepared for formal submission to the City planning department. Scheduling a meeting with the provincial health advisory board is the next task on the agenda.
16 Comments
The numbers speak for themselves. Millions of cubic ft and incredible air movement and replenishment. You can not compare domes to a “room”.
We have visited many of our dome customers and besides the substantial fresh air circulation that occurs in the domes that does not occur in conventional buildings the dome owners we visited have all been following the social distance and other safety guidelines. We believe use of the dome facilities can be kept safe for participants.
Our 3 Domes with the Burlington Soccer Club provide a comfortable and safe place for our teams to practice. We have gone above and beyond with our cleaning process including automatic hand sanitizers and portable fogging machines for all high touch areas which are spayed continuously throughout the day.
We run a 42,000 sq. ft. facility with 2 turf fields. Social distancing in this space is not a challenge. Allowing increased gathering limits for air-supported structures is necessary to stay afloat in this industry.
I think this is a great opportunity for practicing during pandemic, using climatized space with the fresh air keep our kids safe and active.
I agree and support the petition to deem air supported structures as outdoor spaces.
Given the quality of air in bubbles, allow sports and recreation that is so beneficial to people physical and mental health this should be allowed.
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Status: Closed — this petition is no longer accepting signatures.
PETITION TO THE PROVINCE OF ONTARIO , CITY OF TORONTO TO DEEM AIR SUPPORTED STRUCTURES AS OUTDOOR SPACES
Final supporters
We, the owners, management and operators of sports facilities where fields and/or activity areas are within an Air Supported Structure (dome) submit this petition for the consideration of the Province of Ontario and City of Toronto to officially deem Air Supported Structures as outdoor spaces.
This petition is supported by the findings of Gerald N.Catt P.Eng BDS GSC (Consulting Engineer) – who has stated that, due to the continuous forced fresh air flow into these “domes”, that the air quality is comparable to outdoor conditions. These types of domes have a minimum internal height of 36' and can go as high as 70', and are held up by large volumes of fresh air that is constantly being replaced by more fresh air in order to maintain its pressre. Mr Catt has also stated that Air Supported Structures have a minimum of fifty (50) times more outside fresh air to that of an average 20’ x 20’ classroom.
With the fresh air component proving more than sufficient and within safe parameters, typical dome layouts can safely accommodate multiple groups of athletes while maintaining ample physical distancing.
Furthermore, prior to the November 23rd lockdown, many of the current dome operators around the City of Toronto have adjusted their operations, reduced capacities, set up sanitization points, and installed non-permeable barriers between areas as well as numerous other upgrades as required by the Public Health Authority so as to allow safe activity while inside these sports domes.
Considering the above, it should be considered SAFE to allow training and practice activities inside these domes in alignment with activities that are permitted outdoors during any control or lockdown stage.
Moreover , It is to our understanding that there have not been any breakouts within organized team sport training and practice in Ontario, as we have found that teams conducting their training sessions have been conducting all activities in a safe manner that include maintaining distancing, daily health checks and contract tracing, and sanitization of equipment and hands. In conclusion, air supported structures should be considered as Outdoors, that are safe and capable of hosting “outdoor gatherings or activities” in alignment with Public Health Authority guidelines.
As the City and Province take initiative to promote mental and physical health and wellbeing by opening up ice rinks and other winter programs, we believe that dome sports facilities should be allowed to open under the same guidelines and capacities as well.
For Reference:
Consultant Engineer Report - Air Supported Structures Safe During COVID-19
North Toronto Soccer Club Training Overview (0 Cases July to present)
Updates
December 2, 2020
The engineering documentation from Gerald Catt is now being prepared for formal submission to the City planning department. Scheduling a meeting with the provincial health advisory board is the next task on the agenda.
16 Comments
Air supported structures are inherently safe from a COVID perspective and tennis, specifically allows for social distancing while playing. I believe an exemption should be made to allow tennis to be played in air supported structures
The numbers speak for themselves. Millions of cubic ft and incredible air movement and replenishment. You can not compare domes to a “room”.
We have visited many of our dome customers and besides the substantial fresh air circulation that occurs in the domes that does not occur in conventional buildings the dome owners we visited have all been following the social distance and other safety guidelines. We believe use of the dome facilities can be kept safe for participants.
Our 3 Domes with the Burlington Soccer Club provide a comfortable and safe place for our teams to practice. We have gone above and beyond with our cleaning process including automatic hand sanitizers and portable fogging machines for all high touch areas which are spayed continuously throughout the day.
We run a 42,000 sq. ft. facility with 2 turf fields. Social distancing in this space is not a challenge. Allowing increased gathering limits for air-supported structures is necessary to stay afloat in this industry.
I think this is a great opportunity for practicing during pandemic, using climatized space with the fresh air keep our kids safe and active.
I agree and support the petition to deem air supported structures as outdoor spaces.
Given the quality of air in bubbles, allow sports and recreation that is so beneficial to people physical and mental health this should be allowed.
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Air supported structures are inherently safe from a COVID perspective and tennis, specifically allows for social distancing while playing. I believe an exemption should be made to allow tennis to be played in air supported structures