Town Takes Measured Approach to Opening Amenities

HALTON HILLS, ON – A gradual and planned approach to opening Town amenities is key to ensuring the health and safety of the community -- that’s the message that the Mayor and Town CAO want residents to understand. “It’s one thing for the Province to relax their orders and say, ‘Okay now you can open this and that,” said Mayor Rick Bonnette. “It’s quite another to actually implement this when there is a whole set of new protocols, signage and enforcement needs that have to be considered.” Last Thursday Premier Ford announced the opening of some park spaces that can be used by individuals and families on a casual basis. In response, the Town is now making a number of amenities available for public use. Now open:

• Tennis/pickleball courts

• Baseball diamonds

• Sportsfields

• Frisbee disc golf (Cedarvale Park)

• Basketball courts

• Park parking lots

• Public boat launch – Fairy Lake / Fairy Lake Dock

• Off leash zones (Prospect and Cedarvale Parks)

No team sports are allowed. No park permits will be issued for scheduled team play. Residents are reminded that they must maintain a physical distance of 2m from those not in your household and not gather in groups of more than five people when using park spaces. Park areas are receiving a basic level of care suitable for casual use by the public. Residents are encouraged to bring their own hand sanitizer whenever they are visiting park sites. “We understand that access to the out of doors is critical to residents’ well being especially after weeks of staying home,” said Chief Administrative Officer Brent Marshall. “The Town is taking a responsible approach to allowing individuals and their families opportunities to get outside, but it’s critical that we all still abide by the physical distancing protocols directed by the Province and the Medical Officer of Health.” Amenities not open:

• skate parks

• picnic shelters

• washrooms/portable toilets

• playgrounds

• splash pads

• outdoor fitness equipment

• indoor recreational facilities

The Town continues to monitor the directions received from the Province. For a full list of what is opened and what’s closed, visit the COVID-19 website https://www.haltonhills.ca/covid19/ The next set of openings may include some of the amenities currently closed.