Coronavirus crisis: Richmond Hill warns of $750 fines for using closed parks

City extends facility closures until May 31, cancels all city-led festivals, events until June 30

Yorkregion.com
April 3, 2020
Sheila Wang

Those who continue to use the closed parks in Richmond Hill could face a $750 fine as the city extends the closure of facilities until May 31 in an effort to further curb the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

The city made the decision at an emergency meeting April 1, when councillors reached a consensus to ramp up efforts to ensure the safety of the community in response to the ongoing public health crisis.

Residents are urged to respect the closures of outdoor park amenities, including playgrounds, outdoor exercise equipment, sports fields, dog parks, tennis/basketball courts, skate parks, and benches.

Bylaw officers are patrolling these areas to ensure compliance and those who insist on using closed park amenities or congregating in groups could get a $750 ticket.

Continued use of public facilities and gatherings of people in local parks have been spotted in Richmond Hill over the past week, according to several councillors and social media posts.

"I am calling on all residents to take action to help stop the spread," Mayor Dave Barrow said. "Please stay home and if you’re out in the community, please practice physical distancing, don’t congregate in groups and wash your hands frequently."

Council also decided to cancel all city-led and council festivals and events until June 30.

All permits for third-party events until June 30 are also cancelled and no new permits will be issued until further notice. All performances and bookings at the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts are cancelled until May 31.

Parks and trails remain open for walk-through access only. Anyone who is visiting a park or trail should practice physical distancing.

Meanwhile, yard waste collection is delayed until May 19. Garbage, recycling and organics collection continue as scheduled.

Residents are encouraged to follow waste collection safety guidelines as below:

• Carefully bag and tie all garbage and green bin materials in plastic bags.

• Dispose of masks, gloves, wipes and other hygiene products in the garbage, not blue box. If these items are found in the blue box, recycling will not be collected.

• Do not flush any wipes down the toilet. Sewer blockages can occur.

• Wash your hands before and after handling waste and waste containers. Regularly clean your containers using soap and water.

• Support collection staff by keeping the required 2 m physical distancing.

• Do not litter.

Residents are also encouraged to subscribe to RichmondHill.ca/Waste for updates, or download the Recycle Coach app from the App Store or Google Play.