Recent changes as the initial reopening phase begin.
1. What is the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC)?
The City’s Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) directs what spaces and places are restricted throughout the city as it is tasked with directing the city’s response to the COVIC-19 pandemic. It consists of our City Manager, all Senior staff and the heads of fire, police and paramedics. The EOC determines what actions to take based on the best advice of our public health officials locally, provincially and nationally. Hamilton’s EOC was called to order on March 11th and has been at its highest level of activation since March 13th.
2. Can I walk on the municipal golf courses?
No. Chedoke and King's Forest municipal golf courses are closed to golfers and to the public. You are not allowed to walk on these courses. These spaces are not defined as "parks" and therefore, they are not available for walking or other public uses at this time. https://www.hamilton.ca/coronavirus/affected-city-services. Beddoe Dr (road) is open for local residents to access the Chedoke Radial Trail.
Yes. You can walk through a public park. You can take your dog for a walk in a public park, as long as the dog is on a leash. But, you cannot gather with 5 or more people in that park and you must practice physical distancing which is a minimum of 2 metres or 6 ft between each individual. All park amenities are closed. For example but not limited to playground structures, tennis courts, baseball diamonds, soccer pitch, benches, exercise equipment, etc.)
Public Health has advised that people should stay home except for essential trips. If going outside, people are encouraged to go for walks just within their neighbourhoods and in their local parks. The key message coming out from all public health officials, including our own Medical Officer of Health, is to stay home except for essential needs or helping vulnerable individuals who need assistance with groceries etc., as we are entering a critical time in the pandemic. We know people want to get outside with the nicer weather, but the key message is to go for a walk in your own neighbourhood.
4. Can I use the playground equipment in a public park?
No
5. Can I use the tennis courts in a public park, even if I am with a family member?
No. All tennis courts are closed
6. Can I use a public basketball court?
No.
7. Can I use the off-leash dog park?
No
8. Can I use a skateboard park?
No
9. Can I use outdoor exercise equipment in Victoria Park?
No
10. Can I use the running track?
Yes
11. Can I use the sports fields?
Sort of - Examples of activities that are permitted in Hamilton’s parks in groups of up to five people or members from the same household include:
- Playing catch, kicking a ball,
- Letting young kids run around
- Walking or running on a track within a park
- Having a picnic or playing on the grass, your own lawn chair or a blanket
- Personal yoga practise (not a group class)
- Kite flying
- Personal fitness (push-ups, sprinting, lunges, etc.)
Hamilton Public Health Services continues to recommend limiting activities to members of your own household to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and maintaining a physical distance of two metres from those outside of your household. Other public health recommendations:
12. Are the community gardens open?
Pending. The Province declared community gardens an essential service as of April 25, 2020, with the stipulation municipalities must create guidelines for use. The gardens remain close until the City of Hamilton's Public Health Services creates the guidelines, these are expected the week of May 4, 2020.
No.
14. Can I use the Escarpment stairs even if I use them to commute to work?
No.
15. Can I use the Hamilton to Brantford Rail trail?
Yes - the full length of the rail trail reopened May 9, 2020. All amenities will remain closed. There is no vehicle access to conservation areas at this time. https://conservationhamilton.ca/hca-opens-rail-trails-in-first-phase-of-reopening/
16. Is there a penalty for contravening these orders?
Yes: "The City’s Municipal Law Enforcement (MLE) division and the Hamilton Police Service continue to monitor for compliance of the provincial emergency order issued last weekend under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act prohibiting organized public events and social gatherings of more than five (5) people. The MLE will use a progressive enforcement approach if they do not obtain compliance or there is a repeated offence, and charges may be laid. Fines of up to $750 per individual may be applied, while corporations could face fines up to $500,000.
To report concerns about adherence to the provincial order:
- Concern about a local business or public gatherings of 5+ people, without physical distancing: 905-546-2489 (546-CITY)
- Business not following proper hygiene: 905-974-9848
- Inquiring if a business is essential: 1-888-444-3659
- Price-gouging reporting: 1-800-889-9768"
17. What about the Bruce Trail?
Everyone is asked to continue to stay off all areas of the Bruce Trail until further notice; the Bruce Trail is closed. https://brucetrail.org/pages/covid-19-updates
The RBG has decided to temporarily close access to their lands and facilities.
19. Is Hamilton Harbour Waterfront Trail open?
Yes. The Hamilton Harbour Waterfront Trail is open. The section from the trailhead at Princess Point to the floating bridge is under reconstruction Monday to Friday 8 AM- 5 PM, open evenings and weekends,
20. Can I use the Chedoke Radial Trail?
Yes. The Chedoke Radial Trail is open from the trailhead at Hillcrest and Beulah Avenues to Scenic Drive, this includes the trail section that runs through the upper section of the Chedoke Golf Course. Residents living along Beddoe Dr may access the trail by walking up the remainder of Beddoe to the trail at the base of the escarpment.
Showing 1 reaction