Effective today, the City of Kingston issued a emergency order within city parks in order to maintain physical distancing standards. Chief Medical Officer Dr. Kieran Moore, in partnership with Mayor Brian Patterson jointly issued a statement today.
“Under this Order, individuals must maintain a physical distance of at least two metres from all other persons while in a City park. The Gord Downie Pier at Breakwater Park and adjacent areas will also now only be open to the public specifically from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., Mon.-Sun.” the statement said.
In the statement, the Mayor made clear reference to the over crowding that has occurred throughout Breakwater Park over the past few weeks. The mayor has been under increased scrutiny for not enforcing overcrowding at Breakwater Park, while also enforcing the eviction at Belle Park.
The order does not apply to individuals who are “16 and with their parents, members of the same household, situations where members are of the same household, situations where physical distancing is not possible due to health and safety requirement.”
The order is expected to apply to all Kingston city parks and includes “playing fields, structures and recreation facilities.”
Violation of the order are subject to Kingston’s Administrative Monetary Penalties policy and can be fined up to $500 dollars, with the opportunity to appeal.
