18 March 2022 Update
In keeping with provincial COVID-19 policies, Bronson Centre will be lifting its masking mandate on Monday, March 21st. You may continue to wear a mask if you wish. Please be respectful of others and their choices. We encourage everyone to continue practicing good hand hygiene.
Bronson Centre is also happy to announce that air purifiers have been acquired and placed in our rental spaces (meeting rooms and Mac Hall). We feel that they will be especially important as we transition back into life without masks. For health and safety reasons, the air purifiers should not be moved or touched, and must remain operational. Please ask the staff if you would like them moved to another part of your rental space. Thank you for your cooperation.
14 March 2022 Update
Please note that Bronson Centre Music Theatre is operated independently by another party, and that their COVID-19 policies are different. To learn more about which upcoming shows require proof of vaccination, and to read more about their policies, visit their website.
3 March 2022 Update
Effective March 1st, 2022, contact tracing for rental bookings in Bronson Centre’s meeting rooms and Mac Hall is no longer required. A passive screening poster has been put up at reception. Please take note of the poster when you arrive and proceed according to your answers to the screening questions. It is still mandatory for one representative of any rental group to fill in a sign-in sheet for each booking. If you have any questions, please contact the rental coordinator at bci-communityservices@bronsoncentre.ca
28 February 2022 Update
Effective March 1st, 2022, capacity limits in Bronson Centre’s meeting rooms and Mac Hall will be lifted for all groups in accordance with provincial updates. Proof of vaccination will no longer be required, but contact tracing remains mandatory for all bookings. Renters can still choose to enforce a proof of vaccination policy for their own events and must take full responsibility if they choose to do so. If you have any questions, please contact the rental coordinator at bci-communityservices@bronsoncentre.ca
16 February 2022 Update
Effective February 17th, 2022, capacity limits in Bronson Centre’s meeting rooms and Mac Hall will be lifted for groups and events that are screening for proof of vaccination. Otherwise, the 50% capacity limits still apply until further notice. This is in accordance with the provincial reopening plan and will remain in effect until the next stage of reopening commences. If you have any questions, please contact the rental coordinator at bci-communityservices@bronsoncentre.ca
20 January 2022 Update
Effective January 31st, 2022, Bronson Centre’s meeting rooms and Mac Hall will re-open at 50% capacity. This is in accordance with the provincial reopening plan and will remain in effect until the next stage of reopening commences. If you are an existing rental client whose activities were paused this month, the rental coordinator will reach out in the coming days to facilitate your return. If you have any questions, please contact the rental coordinator at bci-communityservices@bronsoncentre.ca.
5 January 2022 Update
Effective January 5th, 2022, use of Bronson Centre’s meeting rooms and Mac Hall is now limited to religious services (at 50% capacity) and social services (with exceptions). This is in accordance with provincial guidelines and will remain in effect until restrictions are lifted. If you have questions about existing or new bookings under these conditions, please contact the rental coordinator at bci-communityservices@bronsoncentre.ca.
21 December 2021 Update
Effective December 20th, 2021, Bronson Centre has reduced capacity in our rental spaces (meeting rooms and Mac Hall) by 50%. This restrictions also applies to religious services and meetings. These capacities are listed in the “Rental Spaces” section of our website.
Proof of vaccination is also now required for youth aged 12-17 coming to Bronson Centre for organized sports (including dance and martial arts).
If you have already booked an event and are planning to serve food and drinks, please read through the new regulations for your event:
- No more than 6 people per table (please do not have your guests switch tables)
- Tables must be separated by a distance of 2 metres
- Guests must stay seated at all times except (1) while entering the area and while moving to their table, (2) while exiting the area, (3) while going to or returning from a washroom, or (4) where necessary for the purposes of health and safety.
Please note that the administration team is out of office from December 22nd, 2021 through January 3rd, 2022. Any questions sent to administration team members, including the rental coordinator, will be addressed the week of January 4th, 2022. Thank you for your patience. Happy holidays!
5 October 2021 Update
As of October 1st, 2021, the Bronson Centre will be requiring patrons of our meeting rooms & community hall (Mac Hall) who are 12+ years old to provide proof of vaccination or a valid exemption. This is in accordance with recent Ontario public health regulations (see O. Reg. 645/21). Please be prepared to show either of these documents and personal identification if you are attending a meeting or event at Bronson Centre unless exceptions apply to your group (see below).
Who is responsible for the vaccine certification of my group?
Each group that rents a meeting room or Mac Hall will designate one individual from their group who will ensure vaccine certification where applicable. Vaccine certification must be done on the Contact Tracing form provided by the Bronson Centre. If your group has an alternative contact tracing system, please inform Bronson Centre’s Community Services Coordinator by reaching out to bci-communityservices@bronsoncentre.ca. You will be asked to sign a waiver regarding your contact tracing system and your compliance with other COVID-19 protocols at Bronson Centre.
Do I have to wear a mask inside if I am fully vaccinated? Do I need to continue COVID-19 protocols (social distancing, max occupancy limits etc.)?
Yes. Masks must be worn at all times. The only exception is when actively eating or drinking. Additionally, all COVID-19 protocols must be continued.
Who is exempt from providing either a proof of vaccination or a valid exemption?
- Children younger than 12 years old
- Youth under 18 who are attending a dance class or practice or a martial arts class
- Social service groups
- Group members that are attending a religious service, funeral service, or wedding ceremony that does not include eating or drinking together afterwards.
Any questions? Please reach out by email to outreach-hub@bronsoncentre.ca
19 July 2021 Update
Bronson Centre is happy to announce that we will be restoring our previous hours of operation, which are 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Monday through Sunday. Doors will now be open during those hours.
As we navigate through Step 3 of Reopening Ontario, masks are still required in order to enter the building. If you or your group have a rental reservation, you will still be required to fill in a sign-in sheet and provide contact tracing information, the forms for which can be acquired at the front desk in our foyer.
Guidelines for Religious Services
In Mac Hall: For now, if your group uses the area in front of the stage instead of the stage itself, you may set up 60 seats for your service. If your group does use the stage, you may set up 70 seats for your service.
In Meeting Rooms: For now, the maximum capacity of all meeting rooms is 20 people.
Please do not exceed capacity limits; we appreciate your respect of public health guidelines and your participation in keeping Bronson Centre safe.
Please refer to provincial guidelines for other capacity restrictions and operation protocols.
Any questions may be directed to Corey Mayville at bci-admin@bronsoncentre.ca.
On-Site Protocols
Ottawa Public Health (OPH) sanitation guidelines are posted throughout the Bronson Centre and in every non-permanent meeting space. Please follow OPH protocols of regular handwashing/sanitizing and practice physical distancing.
Ottawa Public Health provides frequent updates regarding COVID-19, and relevant information on best practices for reopening. You can find the latest information from OPH here.
Ottawa Public Health has shared best practices to reduce the spread of viruses:
o Wash your hands often with soap and water or use hand sanitizer. Make sure to wash for at least 20 seconds with soap and water.
o Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
o Do not touch your eyes, nose, and mouth unless you have just washed your hands with soap.
o Cover your cough and sneeze with a tissue or into your arm, not your hand.
o Stay home if you are sick.
We encourage all tenants and rental groups to follow appropriate protocols (as set out in OPH guidelines) within their own space that will reduce the risk of contracting or spreading COVID-19.
Bronson Centre custodial staff have been instructed to increase cleaning tasks as it pertains to wiping down frequently touched surfaces (doorknobs, washrooms, handrails) in all common areas.
Rooms used on a temporary basis will be cleaned after each use.
Stay healthy, stay safe!
In recognition of keeping the Bronson Centre community and our tenants updated during the pandemic, we will be posting updates on the Bronson Centre’s response effort on this page.
Please note that several essential services operate out of Bronson Centre, so we remain open.
Visitors who come to the building will find our doors are locked, so call in advance for an appointment with your group.
Our hours of operation are 8am – 9pm Monday through Sunday.
Please check with Bronson Centre Rentals Coordinator regarding statutory holidays.
Hours may change as the pandemic situation changes, so please check back to our website when needed.
Any questions about content may be directed to Corey Mayville at bci-admin@bronsoncentre.ca.
A description of the current rules and regulations affecting us are found HERE – we have highlighted the rules that may apply to your organization or interest in using the facility.
Read an inspiring coping guide, The Power of Resilience in Difficult Times, here.
7 April 2021 Update
A new emergency brake is in effect for the Province of Ontario. Our tenants who offer essential social services may stay open. Please contact your essential service provider for detailed information.
Bronson Centre remains open. Anyone who enters the building is to sign the form in our foyer.
All access doors at Bronson Centre are kept locked during the pandemic. Permanent tenants have their own key. For short term rentals, access is to be arranged with our rentals coordinator.
All groups are required to post a volunteer at the main entrance to facilitate entry of persons associated with their group. All groups and organizations are obligated and responsible for following City of Ottawa and Provincial guidelines related to Covid-19.
Capacity – Churches, Essential Services
Churches may continue activities at Bronson Centre at 15% capacity of any room they use.
Essential services groups may gather a maximum of 10 persons at one time, with proper physical distancing.
On-Site Protocols
Ottawa Public Health (OPH) sanitation guidelines are posted throughout the Bronson Centre and in every non-permanent meeting space. Please follow OPH protocols of regular handwashing/sanitizing and practice physical distancing.
Ottawa Public Health provides frequent updates regarding COVID-19, and relevant information on best practices for reopening. You can find the latest information from OPH here.
Ottawa Public Health has shared best practices to reduce the spread of viruses:
o Wash your hands often with soap and water or use hand sanitizer. Make sure to wash for at least 20 seconds with soap and water.
o Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
o Do not touch your eyes, nose, and mouth unless you have just washed your hands with soap.
o Cover your cough and sneeze with a tissue or into your arm, not your hand.
o Stay home if you are sick.
We encourage all tenants and rental groups to follow appropriate protocols (as set out in OPH guidelines) within their own space that will reduce the risk of contracting or spreading COVID-19.
Bronson Centre custodial staff have been instructed to increase cleaning tasks as it pertains to wiping down frequently touched surfaces (doorknobs, washrooms, handrails) in all common areas.
Rooms used on a temporary basis will be cleaned after each use.
Stay healthy, stay safe!
Symptoms
If you believe that you have any of the symptoms of Covid-19, please do not come to Bronson Centre and visit instead the Ottawa Public Health website for guidance.
Bronson Centre shares the concern of all our tenants, visiting public, and patrons to events in our facility with respect to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
Please visit the City of Ottawa website for comprehensive information.
Tenants
Bronson Centre respects regulations of the Province of Ontario and the City of Ottawa.
We share the concern of all our tenants, visiting public, and patrons to events and/or offices in our facility, especially those who provide essential services.
Tenants have access to their offices and may work at Bronson Centre, provided regulations are being met.
Physical distancing as directed by public regulations must be practiced.
If you are a tenant, be sure to bring your key.
If you are a tenant and holding an essential service activity here at Bronson Centre, you must provide a volunteer at the main entrance to screen entries and exits from the building.
If you are a short term renter (day rent), you must provide a volunteer at the main entrance to screen entries and exits from the building.
If you wish to rent rooms or consider renting permanent office space at Bronson Centre, please contact: bci-rentalservices@bronsoncentre.ca
For all other inquiries, please contact Corey Mayville, Executive Director: bci-admin@bronsoncentre.ca
Building Updates
We wish to let everyone know that we have continued with renovations to the building throughout COVID-19.
$250,000 investment light and sound in performance venue.
$650,000 investment Heritage Canada for basic mechanical and space upgrades:
Completely new electrical supply into the building ($270,000) completed
Complete upgrade stage electrical ($30,000) completed
New washroom and urinals on main floor ($80,000) completed
Air Conditioning performance venue ($130,000) completed
General repairs ($70,000) ongoing
$200,000 investment private donation – Main waste drain out of building
$148,000 investment Ontario Trillium Foundation venue dance floor, new seating
We wish to support our funders and the Ministry of Labour who have all made continued maintenance on our building possible.
New Bookings, Postponements, Cancellations, Shows
1. If you need to make a booking, please contact us by phone or email if possible, rather than coming to the building.
2. For information about community events, please contact the organizers directly.
3. For information regarding shows in the venue, please visit Bronson Centre Music Theatre.
Precautions
Precautions that we are taking in our facility include:
- Restrooms, handrails, door handles, and other commonly used surfaces will be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected daily.
- Bronson Centre custodial staff will be wearing gloves while cleaning where practical and washing their hands on a regular basis.
- Bronson Centre custodial staff have been instructed to increase cleaning tasks as it pertains to wiping down frequently touched surfaces (doorknobs, washrooms, handrails) in all common areas.
Please follow these personal precautions and / or respect current protocols as mandated by Ottawa Public Health or the Province of Ontario:
- Wash hands often with soap and water, or use hand sanitizer
- Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth unless they have just washed their hands
- Cover cough and sneeze with a tissue or into their arm, not your hand
- If possible, stay home if you are sick
- Avoid visiting people in hospitals or long-term care centres if they are sick
- It is still recommended that you get a flu shot if you haven’t already as the flu virus is still circulating in the community
- Keep workplaces clean and hygienic – increase frequency of cleaning high- touch surfaces such as elevator buttons, key boards, mouse, phones, desks, computers, seating areas, lunch tables, kitchens, washrooms, etc.
- Although not conclusive, there may be benefit to increasing the spatial separation between desks and workstations as well as individuals (e.g., employees, customers) from each other, ideally a 2 metre separation should be maintained, unless there is a physical barrier (e.g., cubicle, Plexiglas window).
- Increased awareness about and communication to staff about COVID-19.
- Advise employees and contractors to consult national travel advice before going on business trips
- Take precautions for social events