Mississauga to re-open City golf courses and gardens

MISSISSAUGA, ON., May 15, 2020 — Today, Mayor Bonnie Crombie and the City of Mississauga announced what they will reopen in light of Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s May 14th announcement regarding Phase 1 of the province’s reopening.

Mississauga officials say all city-run gardens will reopen on May 22, while Braeben Golf Course reopens on May 16 and Lakeview Golf Course will reopen on May 21.

The City of Mississauga is still reviewing the announcement made by the Province and is actively planning and preparing accordingly in consultation with Peel Public Health. The City says they are awaiting the details of the Provincial regulations to ensure plans are in place for a safe opening of any facilities detailed in the Phase One framework.

“We want to be mindful of the situation across the GTHA and take reopenings of City facilities slow and steady. The safety of residents and staff will continue to guide every decision we make,” said Mayor Bonnie Crombie. “We will continue to work closely with the Province and take our lead from Peel Public Health. Further facility reopenings will be rolled out in the weeks and months to come. For now, we ask that you remain patient and vigilant as we work together to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in our community.”

Any reopening plans or changes to current closures will be communicated through the City’s website and social media channels.

“We are pleased to be reopening our two golf courses for residents to enjoy. We are ensuring that we strictly adhere to all the guidelines and regulations put out by the Province,” said Paul Mitcham, Commissioner of Community Services. “When it comes to the reopening City facilities, like our golf courses, safety is a priority for customers and staff. We are being diligent and ensuring that all proper safety measures are in place to protect the health of both the public and City employees.”

What the City of Mississauga will be opening first

City-run Community Gardens
Mississauga’s nine community gardens are scheduled to reopen on May 22, 2020 to registered garden members only including Garden of the Valley, Hillside Community Garden, Malton Community Garden, Parkway Green Generation Garden, Forest Glen Community Garden, Hancock Community Garden, Churchill Meadows Community Garden, Small Arms Community Garden and Iceland Teaching Garden.

The City has worked closely with its community garden partner, Ecosource, to develop a safety protocol plan and opening plan. Some of these guidelines include increased supervision, scheduled access, limit to one person per plot at a time, eliminating shared tools, suspension of teaching and group programs and provision of hand washing stations.

City-owned Golf Courses
BraeBen will reopen to customers on May 16, 2020 and Lakeview will reopen on May 21, 2020.While the courses are set to open, it’s important for residents to know there are a number of procedures that have been put in place to help ensure public safety. So if you are planning to play a round at either course, please be aware and follow all safety guidelines.

Golf course parking lots will be open to customers. Customers should arrive no earlier than 20 minutes before tee time. After finishing their round, customers are asked to not loiter.

Visit mississauga.ca/golf for more information and book tee times.

What will continue to remain closed in Mississauga until further notice

Boats/Marinas
All City-run marinas and boat launches remain closed at this time. Residents wishing to launch personal watercraft (like a kayak or canoe) may do so at one of the beaches. Residents are reminded that parking lots are restricted and they must ensure they are meeting the requirements of provincial orders and public health guidelines while boating.

Leash-Free Zones, Sports Courts and Multi-Use Fields
Although the Province has announced its intention to permit certain facilities to reopen, it has not yet released the regulations that will revise the emergency orders and detail the requirements for reopening. The City of Mississauga is awaiting the details of the provincial regulations to ensure plans are in place for a safe opening of any facilities detailed in the Phase One framework.

Libraries
City Libraries remain closed at this time. Any reopening plans or changes to the current Library closures will be communicated through our website and social media channels. In the meantime, Library users can access virtual library services and programming at Mississaugalibrary.ca.

Parks and Conservation Areas
City parks and trails remain open for walk-through access only. Park amenities such as playgrounds, leash free zones, sports courts and sports fields remain closed and are actively enforced.

The Provincial government announced that some provincial parks and conservation reserves can reopen for walk-through, day-use only. Conservation areas in Mississauga remain closed. For more information, please visit the local conservation area website.

Parking Lots
All City facility parking lots, except for City-owned golf course parking lots, are closed to unauthorized vehicles. These lots include those at community centres, libraries and parks where feasible.

Tennis and Pickle Ball Courts
City tennis and pickle ball courts remain closed at this time. The City is working with community tennis groups to establish a plan for a safe and timely reopening of these facilities.

To stay informed on COVID-19 impacts on City services, please visit: Mississauga.ca/coronavirus.

story by Terry Lankstead

with notes sourced from City of Mississauga

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