Police clarify rules for social distancing in parks
Mayor Valérie Plante has put Montrealers on notice: Respect the rules for social distancing in parks or the city might be forced to close them.
On Sunday, the city closed Île Notre-dame and the parking lots in Mount Royal Park after people flocked to the local green spaces, including many who drove in from the suburbs. That goes against the government’s instructions to avoid unnecessary trips during the COVID-19 crisis.
Citizens who flout rules on social distancing in parks could face fines starting at $1,000.
But recent incidents, as well as messages to the Montreal Gazette, show many people are confused about what the rules are. We asked Insp. André Durocher of the Montreal police to clarify the rules on using local green spaces.
Q The city has told citizens to only use parks in their neighbourhoods and not to travel to other areas. How far can you go to visit a park?
A There is no specific limit, but the basic guideline is to stay home as much as possible and avoid unnecessary trips, Durocher said. That means choosing a park within walking distance, if possible. “Trips are not prohibited, but we don’t recommend it,” he said. Q Is it all right for a whole family to go to the park together?
A As long as people live under the same roof and are not self-quarantining, they can go to the park together, staying at least two metres away from others.
Q Is it OK to go to the park with someone who doesn’t live with
you, such as a friend or relative?
A No. “Legally speaking, a gathering is two or more people,” Durocher said. No matter what the relationship, don’t meet anyone who doesn’t live with you at the park. Q What about meeting a friend at the park and keeping a two-metre distance?
A “If we just concentrate on what we should be doing rather than what we could get away with, I think it makes it a lot easier,” Durocher said. Just avoid gatherings. “People are trying to do indirectly what they can’t do directly,” he said. Q What are the guidelines for taking children to the park?
A Parents should keep a close eye on children to ensure they keep a two-metre distance from others. Games between household members are allowed, but games with friends or strangers are not. Q Are cyclists banned from Mount Royal?
A This week, police have been directing cyclists off the Olmsted trail, to avoid having cyclists overtake pedestrians on the path. However, cyclists are still allowed on Camillien-houde Way and Remembrance Rd. Q Is it OK to have a picnic? Play music in the park? Spend all day?
A Rules on music or food in the park have not changed because of the COVID-19 crisis, Durocher said. How long you spend should depend on common sense. If the park is crowded, social distancing becomes difficult, so limit your time there or go at another time when there are fewer people.