‘C’mon, people’: angry John Tory warns COVID-19 rule-breakers using dog parks and playground equipment

Thestar.com
March 30, 2020
David Rider

Some Torontonians are refusing to comply with a city order to stay out of dog parks and sports fields, infuriating Mayor John Tory and risking a $750 penalty.

Tory told the Star on Sunday he is baffled by people removing signs and tape blocking park amenities. He ordered their closure Wednesday after public health officials said continued park clustering could help spread COVID-19.

“To see people not just using (park equipment) but tearing the signs off and tearing the signs down -- I mean, c’mon people,” Tory said.

“I don’t think people yet comprehend these measures have literally life-or-death consequences.

“I think there will be instances where people don’t accept that advice. That certainly happened yesterday at some off-leash parks -- people who simply refused to leave so we had to padlock those overnight.

“They need to look at their TVs and see what’s happening in Italy and New York. We’re trying to stop that from happening here and they are ignoring or flouting that and I just don’t get it, I can’t even begin to explain it to you.”

Toronto Public Health has reported, as of Sunday afternoon, four COVID-19 deaths. In New York the death toll topped 670 on Sunday, while the pandemic has hit Italy harder than any other country with more than 10,000 deaths so far.

City of Toronto spokesperson Brad Ross said city staff have wrapped caution tape around more than 800 playgrounds and 50 fitness stations, as well as posting thousands of signs explaining that park amenities are off limits.

Open park areas and trails remain open for strolling, including on-leash dog walking, with users urged to remain at least two metres apart.

“Signage and caution tape, disappointingly, is being removed and amenities then used at a number of locations in spite of the bylaw enacted to close parks amenities,” Ross said.

“The City has received more than 200 complaints to date from residents” about people flouting the closure order to use sports fields, picnic areas and dog parks, he said, adding that staff have now locked dog parks across the city.

Gates are also closed at parking lots attached to city parks, and are being installed at lots for high-use parks that don’t currently have them.

City staff, and if necessary police, will focus enforcement on problem areas including Trinity Bellwoods, Christie Pits, Riverdale, the entire waterfront system, Bluffer’s Park, Tommy Thompson Park, Earl Bales Park, High Park, Earlscourt Park, Weston Lions Park and Coronation Park.