Escarpment stairs set to start reopening Friday

It’s the good news many have been waiting for: City crews are set to begin reopening the escarpment stairs on Friday and over the weekend.

Mayor Fred Eisenberger announced the reopening Tuesday during the city’s COVID-19 response update.

Crews are set to get the process started that morning so they may not open right at 7 a.m. on Friday when many do their “workout,” he added. Even with the opening, physical distancing is still required by residents.

“Group gatherings are not allowed,” he said. “We certainly encourage you to wash your hands before and after using the stairs.”

Fields open, but not to teams

Eisenberger said sports fields are open for “passive” use by families and small groups of five people or less that are physically distancing.

Paul Johnson, director of the city’s Emergency Operations Centre, said city staff had been informed that some teams have gathered on fields.

He said they were aware of one baseball team that took to the mound, despite the closures which have remained in place for more than two months. He said staff was unable to levy fines on the alleged group as they left before bylaw enforcement arrived.

“You are not to gather on a field and have a practice and just sort of hop the fence and hope nobody notices,” said Johnson.

He added that reports from the community noted that the team was “quite brazen” and “clearly identified” they were a team gathering.

Park benches and some park amenities are open and can be used, said Eisenberger. Drinking fountains, playground equipment and splash pads remain closed.

Fountains, such as those in Gore Park and Gage Park, will be turned on and “will hopefully make our city look a little normal,” said Eisenberger.

Summer Supie, events cancelled

The city has also cancelled all city-run summer programming, all summer Camp Kidaca programs, as well as the free Summer Supie program.

Eisenberger said there are a “number” of virtual programs that families will be able to take advantage of this summer including Recreation at Home.

In his closing remarks, Eisenberger said events for summer and fall are “likely not to happen this year.”