Dear editor,
I, like many people in the Kenora Rainy River riding have concerns with the government’s decision to close outdoor spaces. I urge you to contact Greg Rickford and stress the need to reconsider the closure of these spaces in northern Ontario, including soccer fields and golf courses.
These spaces are crucial to our community members and can open safely with the proper Health Unit measures in place. Not only do these facilities provide seasonal employment for many of our community members, but it also provides a safe option to exercise.
It doesn’t make sense that we can walk trails, but we are prevented from walking on a huge golf course, socially distanced from others. I can take my child to a park to play on equipment touched by many others, but I can’t hold my own golf club to hit my own golf ball.
Locally, we have done a tremendous job keeping our communities safe. These outdoor spaces provide a much-needed opportunity for us to be outside where the risks are substantially lower to contract Covid -19. These spaces provide a chance for people to participate in fitness activities, benefit from the fresh air, take in some vitamin D and try to enjoy what little good weather we have in the north.
Recreational activities play a huge role in supporting the mental health and well-being of the constituents in this riding.
When this pandemic began, we were encouraged to be outside as that is a safe place to be. Schools worked diligently to find the appropriate options to take students outside to do learning as well as recreational opportunities, as it was a safe option.
The medical advice has not changed since the beginning of this pandemic. This pandemic will be with us for the foreseeable future and our communities need to navigate it in a sustainable long-term manner.
I urge you to contact Mr. Rickford and ask him stand up for us in the north and push to get these facilities opened.
Kim Douglas
Dryden
