Halton Municipalities Call for Safe Reopen of Outdoor Activities

By: Laura Steiner

The Region of Halton is calling for the province to consider the safe-reopening of outdoor activities.  The plea comes as the province considers extending the stay-at-home orders until June 2, 2021.

The letter cites guidance provided by the province’s COVID-19 Science Advisory Table for Ontario which says the following: “Policies that discourage safe outdoor activity will not control COVID-19 and will disproportionately harm children, and those who do not have access to their own greenspace, especially those living in crowded conditions.”

The letter supports a motion passed by the Halton District School Board (HDSB)’s student senate declaring sports essential in students’ lives.  They call for a two-step process beginning with the resumption of low-contact sports such as track and field, tennis, and swimming, and gradually moving to the higher contact sports.  The plan also calls for adjustments to health and safety plans as needed.

The Mayors end with a request to the province for discussion on the students’ plans. “We further call on the provincial government to consult with school boards and our youth to design a safe return to sports plan, so that low-contact sports can resume as soon as it is safe to do so.”  It’s signed by all four Halton Mayors, as well as Regional Chair Gary Carr.