MINTO – Town council here is supporting a resolution calling for the province to withdraw its prohibition on golfing and other outdoor recreational activities that could be enjoyed while following pandemic-related public health guidelines.
Council endorsed the resolution from the City of Brampton on May 4.
The resolution calls on the provincial government to withdraw its prohibition on golfing and any other outdoor recreational activities “which can be enjoyed while maintaining proper social distancing.”
Golf courses were shut down and the use of other outdoor recreational facilities such as basketball and tennis courts, skate parks and ball diamonds was prohibited as part of a series of new restrictions introduced on April 16 to combat the spread of COVID-19.
In addition, a four week province-wide stay-at-home order was extended until May 20.
“It does sound a little bit selfish. There’s a lot of us golfers that want to get out on the golf course, no doubt,” said councillor Ron Elliott.
“But another way of looking at it is Pike Lake (Golf Centre) is one of our biggest taxpayers in the community … they’ve got several employees that are laid off because there’s nothing for them to do in COVID and it’s an opportunity to help one of our employers. It’s a safe venue. I think they’ve proved that over and over again.”
Mayo George Bridge said, “In fairness, I think the government is looking at outdoor activities and it’s a tough one and they kind of got caught there.
“Hopefully in the next week or so we’ll be able to get going on that as the numbers seem to be coming down.”
A motion to support the Brampton resolution passed unopposed.
