Parks closures

I have been fielding a lot of questions about the parks closures as tickets begin to be issued against residents in violation of the orders. While everything can and will evolve, here's my understanding as I write about what is and isn't allowed.

The key document is the emergency declaration from the Province closing all outdoor recreational amenities including public and private. You can find that here. It reads in part:

"This new order would close all communal or shared, public or private, outdoor recreational amenities everywhere in Ontario, including but not limited to playgrounds, sports fields, basketball and tennis courts, off-leash dog parks, benches, skateboard and BMX parks, picnic areas, outdoor community gardens, park shelters, outdoor exercise equipment, condo parks and gardens, and other outdoor recreational amenities. Green spaces in parks, trails, ravines and conservation areas that aren't otherwise closed would remain open for walkthrough access, but individuals must maintain the safe physical distance of at least two metres apart from others."

The Province has set out a $880 ticket for violations ($750 plus the victim surcharge). The only activity that will be allowed in the parks is to walk through them. We can't play fetch with our dog in them, sit on a bench, or kick around a soccer ball. By-law (as always) has the discretion to make the call as to whether someone is walking through a park, or lingering in it.

The City has prepared this graphic to give a clearer idea of what is and isn't allowed in a City park (click on the file below to make see it larger).

Also of note is that the Province has also enacted a law that requires residents to identify themselves to an officer engaged in carrying out enforcement of the new rules. Failure to do so could result in a $1000 fine. You can read more about that here.

I know residents are looking for very specific guidance on what is and isn't permissible. I can't speak for the City, but my suggestion would be to avoid engaging in recreational activities in public recreation areas with the exception of walking, cycling and running through. By-law has full discretion to make a determination as to whether someone is walking through a park, or lingering or playing. The parks are, after all, closed. I have seen stories of people getting tickets, residents have written to me about warnings they've received, and it's clear that By-law intends to enforce the letter of the new Provincial rules. Again, if you're in the park, it should be clear that you're just passing through or you risk a fine.

Keep in mind, also, that gatherings in public or private of more than five people are also now banned. The Province has made an exception for where more than five people live in the same household.