WINNIPEG -- The City of Winnipeg is closing many of the city-owned and operated outdoor recreation programs under the new Code Red restrictions.
The city announced Tuesday afternoon it will immediately close all city-owned and operated playgrounds, skate parks, and recreational sports fields.
Winter-based outdoor recreation spaces, such as city-owned toboggan slides and outdoor rinks, are also included in the closure even though they’re not operating yet.
City parks and dog parks remain open at this time, but residents are asked to maintain physical distancing while using the spaces.
The city said bylaw enforcement officers will be enforcing the restrictions and can hand out fines to people violating the public health orders. Individuals and businesses can be fined for violating rules on gathering sizes or not enforcing physical distancing. The maximum fines are $1,296 for individuals and $5,000 for corporations.
“To date, our bylaw enforcement officers have inspected 114 facilities,” said Jay Shaw, the assistant manager of the city’s emergency operations centre. “They’ve handed out two warnings to individuals for not wearing a face mask, and have issued one ticket to a business for not being in compliance for orders to close.”
Shaw said the business fined was Gymboree Playcentre on Kenaston Boulevard. CTV News Winnipeg has reached out to the business for comment.
Speaking about the code red restrictions, Winnipeg Mayor Brian Bowman said he is asking all Winnipeggers to do their part to follow the restrictions.
“We know that these measures are needed, it was very clear that we were moving in the wrong direction for some time, and I’m hopeful that this measure will help us once again flatten the curve,” he said.
Bowman added, “We know that this will not be an easy month for many Winnipeggers, many Manitobans. We will get through this. We’re in the storm right now, and we will get through this. We all have a role to play and to do our part right now.”
