Splash pads to reopen provincewide following plea from Ottawa mayor
Posted May 21, 2021 12:36 pm.
Last Updated May 21, 2021 4:19 pm.
Just in time for that summer heatwave.
The Ford government has decided to go ahead and allow for splash pads to reopen across the province after the mayor of Canada’s capital city asked the Premier to reconsider the move with temperatures soar this weekend.
In a statement to 680 NEWS, a spokesperson says splash pads will reopen on Saturday.
“Recognizing that splash/spray pads, like other outdoor recreational amenities, can be safely enjoyed, we have amended the regulation to align splash pads/spray pads with other outdoor recreational amenities,” said spokesperson Alexandra Hilkene.
“Splash/spray pads, like other outdoor recreation amenities, will be allowed to open on 12:01 a.m. on May 22.”
People will be able to tee off starting Saturday under Premier Ford’s newly released COVID-19 reopening plan.
Tennis courts, skateboarding parks and archery ranges will be welcome to visitors this weekend and this will now include splash pads.
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Under the province’s plan, splash pads were previously set to remain closed until June 14, which is when Ontario is set to relax more restrictions on outdoor activities.
Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson called on Ontarians to let provincial legislators know they want to see the amenities greenlit to open this weekend alongside golf courses.
Before Ontario released its plan, some splash pads in Ottawa had started to open as temperatures hovered around 30 C and were set to reach about 32 C in the city on Friday.
Ottawa’s chief medical health officer had said public health thinks of splash pads the same way it does playgrounds, which are open in the province.
“Please reconsider your decision to not allow splash pads to open at the same time as other outdoor activities like golf and basketball. It’s going to be over 30 degrees this long weekend. Please RT and email your MPP,” Watson tweeted at Ford after the plan was released.
Following the news on Friday, the Ottawa Mayor said Ford is doing the right thing in allowing for this amenity to reopen, particularly with kids in mind.
“Great to hear that splash pads are now allowed to open. Crews are out getting the remaining pads open over the next 24 hours,” said Watson on Twitter.
“Thank you to the Province of Ontario for listening to residents – great news for kids and families! Enjoy the long weekend, Ottawa!”
Great to hear that splash pads are now allowed to open. Crews are out getting the remaining pads open over the next 24 hours.
Thank you to the Province of Ontario for listening to residents – great news for kids and families!
Enjoy the long weekend, Ottawa!
— Jim Watson (@JimWatsonOttawa) May 21, 2021
In an update from the City of Toronto, officials say work is underway to open splash pads and will continue into the evening and the coming days.
The city says it anticipates opening more than 70 of 140 splash pad locations by Saturday, barring any mechanical issues.
The remaining locations will be opened as soon as possible over the coming days.
“Turning on the splash pads always brings so much joy for young people across Toronto and is an early sign of summer in the city,” said Toronto Mayor John Tory.
“I want to thank all the City employees who are working to quickly open up outdoor amenities including as many splash pads as possible. I encourage all residents to get outside this weekend to safely enjoy the splash pads that have been activated and other outdoor amenities while respecting the public health advice.”
Toronto splash pads operate daily from 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. and are activated through push-button features.
Watson’s initial push was also supported by Mississauga mayor Bonnie Crombie and Brampton mayor Patrick Brown.
“With temps in the high 20s now, I hope the province will permit splash pads to open this long weekend. Outdoor activities are low risk. It’s also an equity issue for families who don’t have their own backyards,” Patrick Brown tweeted.
“Thanks, Jim Watson for starting the convo on reopening splash pads this long weekend. Hoping that Doug Ford reconsiders,” she said.
“Families need this, children need it. Many of our residents don’t have AC or live in apartments with no outdoor space. Let’s get this done!”
Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for parts of the GTA including Toronto, calling for hot and humid conditions on Friday.
On Saturday, a high of 29 C is expected in Toronto and it will feel more like 32 with the humidex.
Temperatures will be slightly cooler on Sunday, with a high of 26 C expected.
With files from the Canadian Press
