Dorval unveils hiking trail, permits `solo hockey'
City looking for ways to allow people to enjoy outdoors while adhering to curfew
The city of Dorval is trying to find some new ways for residents to enjoy the outdoors while adhering to latest COVID-19 measures, including a new 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. provincewide curfew that went into effect Saturday.
Dorval's outdoor rinks will close at 7 p.m. in order to respect the 8 p.m. curfew imposed by the provincial government.
The city is also allowing people to play what some are now calling “solo hockey” on its rinks. It means you can bring a stick and puck on the ice, but games are not permitted. The hockey nets have been removed from the outdoor rinks to deter games from breaking out, but skaters are permitted to shoot the puck against the boards.
Unlike some local cities that banned hockey altogether such as Beaconsfield or Kirkland, Mayor Edgar Rouleau said Dorval is hoping its local residents adhere to the rules.
“You cannot have a hockey game but you can skate around with a puck on your stick, let's put it that way,” said Rouleau, who donned his Montreal Canadiens jersey and went for a skate Saturday at St. Charles Park. “We took out the nets, but you know kids, they'll put two boots (as nets), so we'll see how it goes. If it gets out of hand, then we'll stop it, and no hockey sticks.”
With Dorval city hall located across from the park, Rouleau often sees youngsters arriving at the rink after school with their skates.
“I'm happy when I see that,” said the mayor. “Look, the kids go to school together and they play together. While they're doing that, they're not making trouble. At the same time, they're getting exercise and at night they're tired.”
“Look, we're Canadian, we're Quebecers. Hockey is in our blood.”
Rouleau said the city is looking for other ways to keep citizens active during the winter months.
On Monday, the city unveiled a new hiking trail to provide another recreational outlet for citizens who are no longer permitted to use indoor recreational facilities due to the latest lockdown measures.
The new 2.5-kilometre Peace Trail runs through Pine Beach Park and extends towards the Dorval Cultural Centre. It also snakes its way through the Peace Park Arboretum, and around the Sarto-desnoyers Community Centre.
Rouleau said the trail is a pilot project that was developed in response to the demand from residents looking for simple ways to stay active.
“As our citizens' health is important to us, we hope this trail will encourage them to get out and about, and take a breath of fresh air,” he said. “A good dose of sunlight is what we all need during these trying times.”
Citizens can access the trail via three main entry points: the Pine Beach Park parking lot located near the boat ramp; the Dorval Library parking lot; or the parking lot next to the skate park on Dawson Ave., across from the Dorval Aquatic and Sports Complex.
Rouleau said these are difficult times for all age groups coping with the pandemic lockdown and curfew.
“Our older generation is affected as well. We had seniors at the library every day, reading the newspaper. Some people just like to go to the library to read a book, but we can't right now. There is nothing we can do. So it's difficult for all ages.”
The Dorval Library will continue to only contactless services and online activities to its members. The new adapted hours of operation and details on services offered are available online at biblioweb.ville.dorval.qc.ca or by phone at 514-633-4170.
Rouleau said the city is trying to respond to the “different needs of the people. For some it's the library, for others it's sports or something else.
“Unfortunately right now, our Leisure and Culture Dept. has their hands tied because we cannot open anything.”
The Dorval Aquatic and Sports Complex, Westwood Sports Centre, Dorval Arena were closed on Saturday, Jan 9.
City Hall, both community centres, Public Works (building and yard), the Dorval Museum of Local History and Heritage, and Peter B. Yeomans Cultural Centre will remain closed until at least Feb. 8.
As our citizens' health is important to us, we hope this trail will encourage them to get out and about, and take a breath of fresh air.