‘It’s just not safe’
Residents of The Battery, Parks Canada officials concerned that hikers, joggers using trails closed during pandemic
It’s usually a welcome sight and sure sign of spring in St. John’s — people walking the trails along Signal Hill National Historic Site.
But during this time when the province is working to keep the cases of COVID19 down, it’s concerning for many residents who live nearby and for Parks Canada staff, who are trying to push the message that the trails are closed.
Despite notices posted at various trails, dozens of hikers and joggers are still venturing out to use the trails, including the North Head Trail near Signal Hill.
“People, understandably, are going stir crazy and they want to get out of the house … but it’s just not safe,” said Judith Adler, whose house is located near the North Head Trail at The Battery, where several people have been spotted on the trails.
“There are parts of the trail that are very, very narrow and there are places where you can’t get off the trail, so there are areas where you just cannot keep the recommended distance, even if you want to.
“So, seeing a jogger, with no mask, pass by you, panting, is the last thing you want.”
Adler said people are also using the parking lot just outside her home as a lookout, since the top Signal Hill parking lot has barriers to prevent vehicles from entering. Motorists are not only throwing cigarette butts on the ground, she said, some are even getting out of their vehicles to urinate on the ground.
Chris Brookes also lives near the Outer Battery and can look out to see people coming off the trail.
“Once you get past the Outer Battery, there isn’t six feet to pass someone,” said Brookes, who added many of his neighbours are not happy about people on the trails at this time. “People are not obeying the Parks Canada signs.”
In a statement issued to The Telegram, Parks Canada said all its site across the country, including Signal Hill and Cape Spear Lighthouse national historic sites, also closed for safety reasons, noting the measures are in keeping with the advice of public health experts.
“We are asking all Canadians
to work together. We know that many people have a special connection to Signal Hill and Cape Spear Lighthouse and that they are St. John’s icons,” the statement notes.
“However, we are implementing these restrictions to protect everyone, especially those who are most at risk. Parks Canada is asking everyone to stay home to protect themselves, their loved ones and the collective community.”
Parks Canada has also suspended camping, group activities and events until at least May 31, 2020, but may extend the closures beyond that date. It said anyone considering a visit to a Parks Canada location should cancel their plans, adding that the resumption of services will take time or be incremental.
A complete list of Parks Canada closures and the parameters of the closures is available on the Parks Canada’s website (pc.gc.ca) and Parks Canada’s social media channels.
Canadians are also encouraged to visit Canada. ca/coronavirus for the latest information on COVID-19 or follow Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer, Dr. Theresa Tam, on Twitter (@ Cpho_canada) for up-to-date information.