City pools, splash pads won’t open Friday: CAO

In this August 2016, file photo, dozens of children play at the Riverdale Park splash pad. Cornwall CAO Maureen Adams says pools and splash pads won't be ready to open Friday, June 12, 2020 as part of the Ontario government's coronavirus reopening plan. (Newswatch Group/Bill Kingston, File)

CORNWALL – While the region will be moving to stage two of the Ontario government’s reopening of the economy, don’t expect City of Cornwall swimming pools and splash pads to be part of that opening right away.

“We are not currently ready to open our municipal pools and our splash pads. We will want to continue to engage with (Medical Officer of Health) Dr. Paul (Roumeliotis) and the health unit to clearly understand how parameters need to be taken to make sure we open these areas safely,” CAO Maureen Adams said Monday night.

One of the main challenges is crowd control.

The city has five outdoor pools and three splash pads.

She says the lifting of some restrictions show some “very positive indications” that there will be “more activity in our community.”

Among the easing of restrictions, restaurants will be able to open their patios.

“Hopefully it’s done safely,” the chief administrator said.

While acknowledging that it’s good news, Mayor Bernadette Clement said “the road to recovery is going to be rocky” for businesses, the public and city staff.

The city is in the midst of creating an economic recovery task force.