By: Surjit Singh Flora
BRAMPTON, ON (June 8, 2020) – With guidance from Peel Public Health, the City of Brampton will reopen all 500+ parks on Thursday, June 11. This includes open shade and picnic shelters, benches, leash-free dog parks, White Spruce Park disc golf course, and skate parks (excluding at Chinguacousy Park). Parks will close at 10 PM every night. Tennis and pickleball courts, Peel Village Golf Course and Brampton Cemetery also remain open.
All playgrounds and play structures, sports fields and amenities, outdoor fitness equipment, outdoor swimming pools, splash pads/wading pools, washrooms, and drinking water systems remain closed and are off limits to the public.
As an additional measure to ensure community safety, all outdoor playground and fitness equipment will be wrapped with orange plastic fencing to discourage public use while these amenities remain closed.
Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown said, “As the weather warms up, we understand that residents will want to get out of their homes and enjoy the fresh air. We are working closely with Peel Public Health to ensure we open amenities only when it is safe to do so. The health and safety of our community remains our priority, and I am confident residents will respect the guidelines and practice physical distancing while they are out enjoying our parks.”
Residents are reminded that as per the Ontario Government’s emergency order, social gatherings of more than five people are not permitted at this time. Effective Friday, June 12, 2020 at 12:01 AM, the province will increase the limit on social gatherings from five to 10 people. A distance of at least 2.0 metres (or six feet) must be maintained from anyone a resident does not live with at all times.
Additional garbage cans will be added as amenities open, and increased inspections and garbage removal will be implemented as required.
Shade and Picnic Shelters
Physical distancing measures will be in effect. Shade/picnic shelters will have strict maximum occupancy limits clearly marked on signage posted at parks where shelters exist.
Residents are encouraged to bring their own chairs to utilize shade shelters, as City staff will be limiting access to tables and chairs to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Residents must take their chairs back home after use. Any chairs left in a City of Brampton park overnight will be removed and discarded.
No bookings will be allowed at this time for picnic shelters and parks spaces until further notice.
Leash-free Dog Parks
Brampton’s four leash-free dog parks will have strict maximum occupancy limits clearly marked on signage posted.
* Bramalea Ltd Community Park (1030 Williams Parkway) * Chris Gibson Park (135 McLaughlin Road North) * Duggan Park (73 Vodden Street East) * White Spruce Park (10302 Heart Lake Road)
For more information on Brampton’s leash-free dog parks, click here.
https://www.brampton.ca/EN/residents/Animal-Services/Pages/Off-Leash-Parks.aspx
Parks Ambassador Program
Educating residents on the importance of following physical distancing guidelines is key to stopping the spread of COVID-19. Beginning June 13, on weeknights and weekends, City staff will be in high-traffic parks engaging with and advising residents about health and safety measures in place.
Corporate Security Services will continue to monitor parks. Individuals not adhering to physical distancing regulation can be fined a minimum of $500 for each offence, as per the Brampton COVID-19 Emergency Measures By-law. Residents are asked to call 311 to report non-compliance.
COVID-19 Health & Safety Measures
With community health and safety top of mind, strict physical distancing measures will be in place at Brampton’s parks. A distance of at least 2.0 metres (or six feet) must be maintained at all times from anyone a resident does not live with. The City urges residents to carry their own personal disinfectant, such as hand sanitizer or wipes, wash their hands often, and cough or sneeze into their elbow.
The City of Brampton is working closely with its partners at Peel Public Health and the Brampton Emergency Management Office to continue to monitor risks. Visit www.brampton.ca/covid19 for regular updates and call 311 to reach the City of Brampton and the Region of Peel at any time.
Regional Councillor Wards 3 & 4, Martin Medeiros,; who is Leading , Reopening and Recovery Working Group, said, “Through the Reopening and Recovery Working Group, we continue to have meaningful discussions with the community to ensure a comprehensive approach to reopening our facilities and amenities. We aim to carefully balance the needs of residents and all City stakeholders, while prioritizing health and safety.”
David Barrick, Chief Administrative Officer, City of Brampton said , “Safely reopening City services and facilities is a top priority for the City of Brampton and our staff. We will continue to take the necessary steps to ensure that we reopen City services to the public in a responsible and safe manner.”
Dr. Lawrence Loh, Interim Medical Officer of Health, Peel Public Health said, “with summer upon us, the gradual reopening of outdoor spaces like off-leash dog parks will give residents the opportunity to get outside. This will help to promote physical activity and mental well being, but it’s important to remember that open amenities does not mean we can stop being diligent. Residents must continue to follow recommendations to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Staying two metres distant from others, avoiding crowds by adhering to the maximum number of people and dogs in these settings, washing hands frequently and after each visit, and getting tested and staying home if sick are all keys to moving forward.”
