Vaughan to reopen toboggan hills, dog parks no later than Jan. 29, ice rinks Feb. 1 at earliest

There will be new measures to keep leisure activities safe in time of pandemic

Yorkregion.com
Jan. 27, 2021
Dina Al-Shibeeb

Vaughan councillors thanked city staff Jan. 26 for their new measures that will be enforced to reopen dog parks and toboggan hills no later than Jan. 29, and outdoor ice rinks tentatively Feb. 1, if weather permits.

The new measures include new mats and benches to space out distances between families when they are putting on and taking off their skates.

Registration is going to be online to avoid crowds and there are going to be mandatory mask zones at the ice rinks.

Also, people will be allowed 45 minutes for their ice skating experience, and 30 minutes break, instead of 15.

"We will have 24-hour security and CCTV for trespassing," city manager James Harnum said, in reference to people who use the ice rinks for hockey.

Harnum also said there is going to be an "aggressive enforcement approach for trespassing" and toward "any crowds not adhering to the rules."

In case of people not following rules, it will be bylaw officers, not recreational officers, who will deal with them. Also, there is going to be more security guards.

Harnum also said the city has purchased additional signs and portable washrooms to encourage people to walk out in the trails.

"I think you achieved what we all wanted," Coun. Alan Shefman, who was behind the motion to reopen ice rinks and toboggan hills, told Harnum.

"This little outlet may help people ... an important achievement for all," Shefman said, in reference to mental health.

Coun. Rosanna DeFrancesca said while these new measures will be "taxing on our resources", people are "COVID exhausted", and she applauded the new, safer approach.

Check back for updates once more details are released by the city.