By Cecilia Nasmith
As soon as weather permits, you can enjoy outdoor skating again at the Rotary Harbourfront Park, according to the vote at Monday's committee-of-the-whole meeting of Cobourg council.
Like so many activities these days, this has been modified to accommodate appropriate COVID-19 protocols, such as signage reminding users of social-distancing rules. While the transit shelter will remain closed, a half-dozen additional benches will be installed so people can keep their distance while they rest or lace up their skates.
This was one of three options put before council, the others being simply not to reinstall the rink and to open the rink and also the transit shelter. For Councillor Emily Chorley, who made the motion, this option seemed best and safest.
“I for one am very excited to know this is on the floor,” Councillor Nicole Beatty said.
“I think anything we can do to give our residents a sense of winter tradition and the opportunity to be active and play outside is wonderful.”
The closure of the transit shelter at the outset of the pandemic was addressed somewhat with a port-a-potty installation just to the east of the building. Beatty asked if this facility could be winterized and remain on-site. You can't winterize port-a-potties, Community Services Division Deputy Director Teresa Behan said, but the hand-washing stations are a concern – one they will address with an ample hand-sanitizer supply.
“Has our local public health unit had an opportunity to chime in on any safety or public-health guidelines we should take into consideration?” Beatty asked.
“The Emergency Control Group reviewed the plan, but the health unit has not specifically said anything,” Behan replied.
“It's great we can do something for the public and they can be outside,” Councillor Adam Bureau declared
“It's safer, and it's part of our strategic plan – and after the year that we have had, I think some good cheer is in order.”
