As of today, September 22^nd, Ontario will require people to provide proof of vaccination status to access certain businesses and settings.

How does the new vaccination policy impact real estate?

OREA has consulted with the provincial government, real estate and legal experts and assembled the information you need to assist in your ongoing efforts to keep your clients, your brokerage, and communities safe. The FAQ below provides information to Members on issues like medical exemptions, real estate listings and working with unvaccinated clients.

As Ontario continues to navigate this fourth wave of the pandemic, it’s essential that we do our part as Ontario REALTORS® to minimize the spread of the COVID-19 virus. If you are not already vaccinated, unless you have a medical exemption, we strongly encourage you to do so. In addition to the guidance below, we encourage Members to continue to use technology and virtual tools first and to the greatest extent possible to reduce the need for in-person contact.

Together, we can help end this pandemic and get our province back to normal.

If you have follow-up questions, please reach out to info@orea.com and one of our team members will get back to you as soon as possible.

Sincerely,
David Oikle
OREA President

Disclaimer: The guidance contained in this post is for information purposes only and is not meant to be relied upon as legal advice by REALTORS®, or others. Members wishing further clarity or advice should seek independent legal advice specific to their circumstances.

HOW THE VACCINATION CERTIFICATION SYSTEM WORKS

As of September 22, 2021, Ontarians will need to be fully vaccinated (two doses plus 14 days) and provide their proof of vaccination along with photo ID to access certain public settings and facilities. The government approach focuses on high-risk indoor public settings where face coverings cannot always be worn and includes:

• Restaurants and bars (excluding outdoor patios, as well as delivery and takeout).
• Nightclubs (including outdoor areas).
• Meeting and event spaces, such as banquet halls and conference/convention centres.
• Facilities used for sports and fitness activities and personal fitness training, such as gyms, fitness and recreational facilities with the exception of youth recreational sport.
• Sporting events.
• Casinos, bingo halls and gaming establishments.
• Concerts, music festivals, theatres and cinemas.
• Strip clubs, bathhouses and sex clubs.
• Racing venues (e.g. horse racing).

Vaccination verification certificates will not be required when accessing necessary medical care, grocery stores or other essential services and establishments.

Unvaccinated people with medical exemptions (including those who may be allergic or had a reaction to their first vaccine) will not be required to provide proof of vaccination, provided they can produce an appropriate doctor’s note, at least until recognized medical exemptions can be integrated as part of a digital vaccine certificate.

All Ontarians can print or download their vaccination receipt from the provincial booking portal. The Ministry is working on additional supports and services to assist Ontario residents who need help obtaining proof of vaccination, including requesting a copy be sent by mail. Those who need support obtaining a copy of their vaccination receipt including those who do not have access to a computer or printer can call the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900.

Ontario is developing an enhanced vaccine certificate with a unique QR code to make it safer, more secure and convenient to show that you have been vaccinated, when required to do so. The enhanced vaccine certificate and verification app will be available by October 22, 2021. Ontario’s proof of vaccination guidance will be updated to reflect the new processes.

To see more of OREA’s Vaccination FAQ – Click here.