WINNIPEG -- There is some good news for Winnipeggers who are looking to get out of their house and get some exercise.
Mayor Brian Bowman announced on Tuesday that playgrounds and athletic fields are allowed to reopen under the provincial public health orders.
Bowman said this takes effect immediately.
"The Public Service has begun the process of removing signage that is currently up indicating that these spaces are closed," said Bowman.
He noted the areas will be open while that signage movement process is happening.
"I am very pleased that residents will now have more options available to them to get outside and get active safely."
The news comes after the city allowed some outdoor rinks and toboggan runs in Winnipeg to reopen last week.
Bowman also noted the city is supporting the General Council of Winnipeg Community Centres as it is working on getting more information from the province for their outdoor rinks.
The vocal support comes after Councillor Kevin Klein sent a letter to the mayor on Monday urging that rinks be opened before Christmas and Klein noted there would be a significant issue facing the community centres.
"The responsibility to enforce the COVID restriction rules for each of the City of Winnipeg-owned community centres it that of the volunteers who operate them on our behalf," he said in the letter.
Klein added there is already a huge responsibility on community centres and that could be made more difficult if they were to face fines if someone doesn't follow the rules.
"I am officially asking you to direct administration to meet with community centre representatives immediately and work towards a quick solution. I believe CUPE would support the deployment of laid-off staff from Community Services to supervise these Community Centre outdoor rinks. We can find a solution and reduce the potential of outdoor rinks opening over the holidays if we work together."
Dr. Brent Roussin, the chief provincial public health officer, was asked if changes might be made to the health orders so community centres wouldn't be fined the same way a business would.
Roussin said it would be looked at on a case-by-case basis and officials would review the situation.
