Ottawa Citizen

City bans tobogganin­g at Mooney's Bay hill after hundreds flock to popular sledding spot

Bylaw department also stepping up restrictio­n enforcemen­t at outdoor rinks

- BLAIR CRAWFORD

The City of Ottawa is banning tobogganin­g at Mooney's Bay hill after crowds numbering in the hundreds defied the rule limiting sledding hills to no more than 25 people during the COVID -19 lockdown.

And the city's bylaw department is reiteratin­g the ban on hockey at city rinks after two high profile onice confrontat­ions this week.

The Mooney's Bay toboggan ban was announced Friday and takes effect immediatel­y. Bylaw officers will step up patrols and limit parking in the Mooney's Bay lot to those taking part in “authorized activities,” including snowshoein­g and cross-country skiing.

The hill “has been the scene of consistent large crowds, numbering in the hundreds, over the past two weeks,” the city said in a media release announcing the closure.

Meanwhile, a Barrhaven man was fined $125 Thursday after bylaw officers spotted him playing hockey with his nine-year-old son at the Weybridge Park rink where the man volunteers.

In a tweet Thursday night, volunteer Jamie Leppard said: “I just got a $125 ticket from @OttawaByla­w while wearing boots and carrying my stick. I was passing the puck to my 9 yr old son as he was practicing shooting we were on the ice alone. This is gone to far I run the Weybridge rink and was preparing to flood ice I volunteer 200hr.” By Friday afternoon, Leppard's message had been retweeted more than 700 times.

In an emailed statement, the city said bylaw officers had spotted a number of people playing hockey on the rink and warned them that it was not allowed. The others packed up and left, but Leppard and his son soon returned to the ice.

Bylaw officers had already warned Leppard on Wednesday night for failing to post proper signs at the rink, allowing people to use the rink's change room and allowing them to play or practise “a team sport that is likely to result in individual­s coming within two metres of each other.”

“Given that this individual had previously received two verbal warnings, the officer decided that a charge was appropriat­e,” Roger Chapman, director of Bylaw and Regulatory Services, said in an emailed statement.

“We understand this is a difficult time for everyone. However, to ensure regulation­s are complied with, officers will continue to proactivel­y monitor outdoor rinks across the city, use discretion and will take appropriat­e enforcemen­t action.”

Leppard did not respond to a request for comment on Friday.

On Monday night, Marc Blais, a volunteer at Wilfred Murray Park in Cumberland, was ticketed by bylaw officers who saw his son playing hockey while Blais worked on the ice surface. Blais, too, had been previously warned on Jan. 13, the city said. Police were called to the rink Monday when Blais refused to identify himself to bylaw officers, the city said. That confrontat­ion was also photograph­ed and posted on social media, drawing hundreds of comments in support of Blais.

As it turned out, the officer made an error writing the $260 ticket, so it was thrown out.

Blais declined to comment when contacted by this newspaper, but later issued a statement on social media: “After a quick chat with Roger Chapman, head of Ottawa Bylaws, the matter has been resolved. I'd like to thank everyone within our wonderful community, for their strong support. Be sure to come and enjoy our wonderful rink, but please leave your sporting equipment at home.”

During the lockdown, the city has limited rinks to a maximum of 25 people — 12 people on “puddle rinks” — banned hockey sticks, pucks and other team sports equipment and mandated that skaters keep a minimum two-metre distance from others. Masks are mandatory for anyone within 15 metres of the ice and, while not mandatory, are highly recommende­d for skaters on the ice.

Despite the two confrontat­ions, Dan Chenier, general manager of Recreation, Cultural, and Facility Services, gave a shout-out Friday to the volunteers like Leppard and Blais who keep neighbourh­ood rinks running.

“The City wants to recognize and thank the tireless work of all our volunteers who help maintain our many outdoor skating rinks,” Chenier said in an emailed statement. “They are an integral part of our team that keep our rinks up and running every winter, and this year they have been more important than ever. Because of their efforts, the City has been able to reopen its outdoor rinks and offer residents an opportunit­y for essential exercise.”

 ?? ERROL MCGIHON ?? The City of Ottawa announced Friday that tobogganin­g is no longer allowed at Mooney's Bay hill during COVID-19 restrictio­ns after too many sledders broke the 25-person limit. Sanctioned activities, such as snowshoein­g, are still allowed in the park. Bylaw officers will be patrolling.
ERROL MCGIHON The City of Ottawa announced Friday that tobogganin­g is no longer allowed at Mooney's Bay hill during COVID-19 restrictio­ns after too many sledders broke the 25-person limit. Sanctioned activities, such as snowshoein­g, are still allowed in the park. Bylaw officers will be patrolling.

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