In response to the province-wide state of emergency and Stay-at-Home order – in place since April 8th to slow the third wave of COVID-19 – the City has decided they will reduce the hours of certain parks, particularly those which have proven to be problematic.
Despite this state of emergency being declared, public gatherings at certain City parks have exceeded current public health guidelines (five person maximum in outdoor gatherings). Additionally, large gatherings, parties, and other activities have occurred in parks. These gatherings put the public’s health at risk.
To reinforce provincial restrictions, parks deemed problematic will continue to open at 5:00 a.m. However, they will close at 9:00 p.m. (or earlier), seven days a week. Any park with reduced hours will have signs posted to communicate this.
By-law Officers will continue to respond to By-law complaints and visit all City parks and enforce the provincial orders. Later this week, Park Ambassadors will also begin visiting parks to reinforce public health measures and identify any issues.
The City will work in accordance with Ward Councillors to determine which parks are problematic and should therefore have their hours temporarily amended.
Councillor Gower shared, “If you a large group of people in a park, or a neighbourhood house party, please call 3-1-1 so that By-law can be dispatched to investigate. Illegal activity or crimes in progress can be reported to 9-1-1″.