Burlington city council moves to reopen beaches

Burlington city council approved temporary changes to the city’s park operation service on Wednesday.

The city says these changes include the removal of the fencing currently in place at Beachway park, installing temporary washrooms with enhanced service at Spencer Smith Park, Beachway park and Burloak park.

“City staff installed the fence to allow time to make the beach safe for residents, conduct water testing, and avoid the crowding we saw in this area,” says Burlington Mayor Marianne Meed Ward.

“Council and I have voted to remove the fence, now that this work is nearing completion, including grooming the beach for use and installing additional signage.”

The washrooms in the pavilion at Beachway park will remain closed as a result of pre-existing structural issues, which are scheduled to be corrected in September.

In their place, portable bathrooms and hand washing stations will be made available and cleaned by city parks staff on a regular basis.

The temporary washroom facilities at Spencer Smith Park, Beachway Park and Burloak Park will be installed once available from the supplier, approximately the end of June.

The reopening of other city park washrooms, with enhanced cleaning will be phased in.

The city also says it approved the hiring of students and temporary staff to assist with this important service and general park maintenance.

City park staff will provide reduced beach maintenance, including grooming the beach and enhanced cleaning of washrooms.

When walking along the beach, the city would like to remind residents to continue to be vigilant about public health practices and provincial directives to reduced the spread of COVID-19.

These include maintaining two metre physical distancing from anyone you don’t live with, gathering in groups of five or fewer, staying home if you feel sick, washing and sanitizing hands before and after visiting the area.