OTTAWA – Boat launches at city parks will open tomorrow (May 16), as permitted in the Province of Ontario stage-one reopening.

For the further lifting of other park restrictions, the city, in consultation with Ottawa Public Health (OPH), continues to carefully examine the stage-one guidelines and how they pertain to the use of other city outdoor sports and recreation facilities.

The city will announce next week any other details on the further lifting of park restrictions on sports fields, courts and ball diamonds. Over the long weekend, the current city emergency directives, with the exception of green spaces and boat launches, will remain in place.

 While the use of boat launches is now permitted, it is important to note even in normal times, it is never permitted to launch watercraft – such as boats, canoes and kayaks – from beaches. The Parks and Facilities Bylaw also prohibits watercraft from being launched in areas that are not specifically designated for launching watercraft.

It is also important to note the province’s first stage of re-openings will not change the current Provincial Emergency Order restricting gatherings of more than five people – unless they are members of the same household.

OPH continues to advise limiting activities to members of your own household remains important to limit the spread of COVID-19 and save lives, and that physical distancing of at least two metres from non-household members be maintained during these activities.

For up-to-date information on the COVID-19 pandemic in Ottawa, visit ottawa.ca/covid19 or call 3-1-1 (TTY: 613-580-9656).