By Cecilia Nasmith/Today’s Northumberland
Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s announcement that certain outdoor activities can resume in spite of the Stay-At-Home Order has saved him a sharply worded letter from the Haliburton Kawartha Pine Ridge District Health Unit board.
“I am completely off-side with the government on this,” Northumberland representative Bill Cane said at the board’s May meeting, stating his belief in the benefits of healthy outdoor exercise on both physical and mental health. People unable to enjoy golf, tennis and recreational boating are contacting him with their complaints, and he is sympathetic.
“There doesn’t seem to be any science backing up what they are doing. Ontario is the only jurisdiction in North America that is not allowing golf right now,” he said.
“I am getting a lot of calls from people, and they are angry.”
Board chair Doug Elmslie said he had seriously considered bringing a motion to the meeting calling for the opening of these recreational facilities before he heard that an announcement from the premier was expected within hours of the meeting.
“I know this is affecting many people across the province,” Medical Officer of Health Dr. Natalie Bocking said.
“I guess this is a question of how science informs policy making. We know sometimes when governments decide policy, it’s not just public health that informs some of that decision making.”
If you otherwise respect restrictions in place, like remaining within your own household group, she says there is not much evidence these activities further spread COVID-19.
“The Ontario Science Advisory Table, I think, had said similar things. I believe they have gone even further to look at data and modelling to support opening several outdoor activities.”
Along with the impact on well-being, Cane cited the financial impact.
“People are paying annual dues to be members of golf clubs, to be members of tennis clubs, to have that docking space at marinas. All that money, I guarantee you, is not going to be reimbursed to people,” he predicted.
“I am paying for docking space at the marina in Hastings,” Northumberland representative Bob Crate added.
“I’m also paying $36 a day for my boat to sit in Orillia because they won’t open the lock for them.
“We have a number of wonderful courses around here that have instituted all the rules and regulations needed last year in order to play golf, and those people are frustrated.”
“I get everybody’s frustration,” Haliburton County representative Andrea Roberts said.
“I did a radio interview this morning and said I will be the first to rip the tape off our skateboard park as soon as we can.”
Elmslie made a motion to see what the premier had to say Thursday afternoon and, if no change was forthcoming on recreational activities, to draft a letter to the premier stating their position. It was to be circulated electronically for board members’ approval.
