Events Ontario
Ontarios Finest Mississauga, ON, Canada

As new information is continually being released about COVID-19, the FEO Team is working hard to gather and summarize the information to share with the events industry.

Anual TSSA Public Safety Report Message from Dean McLellan, Interim Amusement Devices Statutory Director. Inflatable Device Materials Put to the Test.... This past year, the Amusement Devices Safety Program continued to test the material that is used to construct inflatable devices. As specified by the Amercian Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) International standard, inflatable devices must be composed of flame-retardant fabric, in the event that people using the devices are exposed to fire. TSSA performed a flame testan assessment method prescribed in the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) standardon inflatable device material and identified a number of devices that did not meet the test requirements. The Amusement Devices Safety Program has since informed other Canadian jurisdictions of its findings and presented on the topic at ASTM International meetings to advise additional authorities and manufacturers of the issue. Furthermore, inflatable devices that were not composed of flame-retardant fabric did not receive licences until they were found to be in compliance. It is important that owners contact manufacturers of these inflatable devices prior to purchasing to ensure their devices comply with the ASTM standard. TSSA will continue to ensure Ontario’s inflatable devices fulfill standard requirements during annual inspections. Figure 13: Flame Test. Safety Partners Collaborate to Bolster Amusement Device Electrical Compliance. Electrical compliance of amusement devices was also an area of focus for TSSA, in the year past. All amusement devices in the province of Ontario must have their electrical equipment certified by the original manufacturer or a certifying body. When changes are made to the original electrical equipment in a device, recertification may be required. TSSA collaborated with Ontario’s Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) to develop educational material and train owners of devices on electrical requirements. In addition, the Amusement Devices Safety Program worked with industry to set expectations and compliance timelines to ensure that all new and existing devices met compliance standards. Currently, all licensed devices in Ontario conform with the applicable electrical device standards and/or have been approved by a field evaluation agency. TSSA continues to perform inspections and partner with ESA to ensure electrical safety and compliance on amusement devices.

'COVID is unfair': Doug Ford responds to question on business closures

October 15 th 1pm ~ COVID Update - More regions could go back to stage 2..

This has been a very frustrating experience with governement restrictions hindering us from doing what we do... "events". #wedoevents Our industry is flopping on the shore like a fish out of water. Only diverstity and leadership can save us now.

Risk Mitigation For Events & Gatherings During COVID-19

Vaccine Update - July 15 th

ADAC Meeting October 24th 2019. ~ Minutes of meeting regarding business model. Business Model: D. Brazier spoke to this item, referring to the presentation shared with the Council prior to the meeting. He advised that TSSA’s existing fee model is outdated and complex, and that a new model is required to support TSSA’s transition to becoming an outcome-based regulator, adding that its scope will include all programs and all activities. He explained that the guiding principles... for the new business model are 1) simplicity; 2) equitability; 3) encouragement of compliance; 4) efficiency; 5) dispute reduction; 6) cost recoverability; and 7) accessibility. He confirmed that TSSA is moving away from a pure fee-for-service model towards a model where the license fee is inclusive of regulatory inspection activities. He proposed the following options for consideration within the framework: 1) flat fee regardless of category; 2) flat fee based on category; or 3) flat fee based on risk and category. He advised Council that this change is intended to be revenue neutral. He noted that online consultation would be utilized after each council meeting, adding that TSSA would be requesting feedback from various industry groups in addition to the Advisory Councils. He advised that once we have consensus on the option, further detail would be provided, with the final rollout to depend on the complexity of the option chosen. Council was presented with some examples specific to the Amusement Devices program for discussion purposes. In response to a question from Council regarding whether this initiative was intended to reduce red-tape and increase revenue, D. Brazier advised that the change in business model is to be revenue neutral to TSSA. He explained that increasing efficiency is another mandate of this initiative. He added that the change in fee structure is a fundamental precursor in order for TSSA to direct revenue and activities to the best safety outcomes and to harm reduction. He explained that if TSSA maintains the current model, which is largely based on a fee-for-service principle, TSSA will be unable to fully meet the objective of becoming an outcome-based regulator. In response to a question from Council as to whether the business model will be consistent across all regulated sectors, D. Brazier advised that the intent is to apply it consistently across all program areas. Additionally, D. Brazier explained, in response to a question about risk models, that TSSA is currently working on risk models for all programs, noting that these risk models, once developed, will underpin the fee structure should option #3 be chosen. The Chair cautioned that the seasonal nature of the amusement devices industry should be considered, adding that revenue streams for this industry may not be year- round like other sectors. D. Brazier acknowledged the comments and encouraged Council to provide their feedback through the online consultation platform.

TSSA Response to licensing your inflatables in 2020 during this pandemic Scenario 1: Existing Process o Operators must complete Renewal Packages and book an inspection... Scenario 2: Extension of permits for devices that operated last season. (Notes: this does not apply to Initial permits.) o Operators will be permitted to operate a device during the 2020 2021 season despite the permit having been expired provided that the renewal package noted above has been provided to the director and inspections are completed within the grace period noted in the table below. o The following safety compliance documents are required in addition tothe renewal package: A Pre-inspection Checklist for all devices except for Ziplines and Inflatables. A confirmation letter from the site mechanic that the device is in compliance with the Regulation 221/01 (Amusement Devices) and that all pre-existing orders have been complied with. TSSA will send a letter of authorization to extend permit expiry dates onceall Renewal Package and compliance documents are submitted. Permit fees for devices will continue to be required upon renewal. Businesses that do not wish to renew their licences and permits for the season due to cancellations, don’t need to maintain a valid licence and permit, if they will not be operating this season. This change will not impact licencing and permitting processes for the 2021 2022 season.

TSSA Responce to Covid 19 Regarding Certificate Holders: TSSA expects certificates to be renewed prior to expiry. If re-certification is conditional on continuing education that has not been fulfilled, mechanics must renew their certificates as required. Certificate holders will be given 120-day grace period from the date that social distancing requirements or the State of Emergency are lifted by the Government of Ontario in order to fulfill and submit their continuing edu...cation requirements to the TSSA. Commencing March 16, 2020 certificate holders may continue to work during the grace period so long as the certificate has been renewed as per the above policy. The certificate holder will receive their certificate with the correct expiration date. Proof of continuing education requirements once completed must be provided to TSSA. See more

What Stage 3 of Ontario's COVID-19 reopening plan could look like

Click Here To Learn How To Operate An Amusement Device In Ontario

Events Ontario Face Book page was created by Jay Millar (Member of the Amusement Device Advisory Council) to assist in the interpretation of TSSA Regulations and mitigating solutions. Navigating new regulations and being updated on new initiatives can be confusing and frustrating. Let us help !

Click Here For Amusement Devices Incident Reporting Form as required by O.Reg 221/01.

Click Here For How & When To Report An Incident To T.S.S.A During Your Event.

Click Here to obtain ADM-I (Amusement Device Mechanic - Inflatable). Application form