Stage 2 of the Provincial government’s reopening framework now permits the reopening of water recreational facilities, sports fields and ball diamonds where physical distancing measures are in place. The City of Ottawa is in the process of implementing the required public health and safety measures to reopen sports fields, ball diamonds and splash pads.
Sportsfields and ball diamonds are open as of June 13 and, along with outdoor public courts, will be available to book for groups of 10 or less. Bookings are for training and practice only at this time and will be conditional on groups following established health and safety protocols, including guidelines established by their sport’s governing body, physical distancing guidelines, and providing proof of valid liability insurance. Competitive play and any activity that is likely to result in individuals coming within 2 metres of each other is not be allowed.
Outdoor sports facilities and multi-use fields are open, including:
- Baseball diamonds
- Soccer fields
- Frisbee golf locations
- Tennis
- Platform tennis
- Table tennis and pickleball courts
- Basketball courts
- BMX parks
- Skate parks
Off-leash dog areas, benches, picnic areas and shelters are also open. In all cases, physical distancing of at least two metres is required.
Provincial orders remain in effect prohibiting the use of:
- Play structures,
- Swings
- Slides
- Exercise equipment
During the second stage of reopenings, Emergency Provincial Orders remain in place prohibiting gatherings of more than 10 people outside of your current household. This applies to all public use of opened outdoor park facilities. To allow for physical distancing and to limit the spread of COVID-19 when using outdoor sport amenities, maintain a two-metre distance from others, avoid picking up someone else’s sports equipment, wash your hands regularly and avoid touching your face.
Benches, picnic tables and gazebos
Restrictions on benches, picnic tables and gazebos have also been relaxed under the Provincial reopening framework. Benches and tables are not cleaned frequently. Please wash your hands after using them, and be sure not to touch your face.
Enclosed off-leash dog parks
Enclosed off-leash dog areas in City parks are now reopened. Please remember that the gates at off-leash dog parks are high touch-points that are not cleaned. Please wash your hands before entering and after exiting a dog park, and avoid touching your face.
You can also walk your dog in a park’s greenspace, as long as you follow the park’s designation.
Residents can check the map on to see the dog walking designation in their neighbourhood park.
You can also check with the National Capital Commission for updates to parks that they oversee, such as Bruce Pit and Conroy Pit.
Seasonal washrooms open at five popular beach and park destinations
Washrooms are open at Andrew Haydon Park, Britannia Park, Westboro Beach, Mooney’s Bay Beach and Petrie Island Beaches.
The washroom facilities at these locations will undergo extensive weekly cleaning. Ottawa Public Health advises washroom users to be vigilant in their preventative measures and behaviours – keeping two metres from people outside your immediate household while standing in line, washing your hands with soap and water, and using a hand sanitizer. For supplementary protection, wear a cloth mask in case physical distancing may be difficult to achieve.
Effective July 7, 2020, masks are required to be worn in indoor public spaces at City of Ottawa facilities as per the direction of the Medical Officer of Health. For further information on the use of masks in public spaces, including exemptions, please visit Ottawa Public Health’s website.
Water fountains, where available at these parks will also be operational. The fountains will be cleaned twice daily, along with an extensive weekly cleaning.
The hours of park and beach washroom operations are as follows:
- Britannia Park
- Monday to Thursday from 10:30 am to 9 pm
- Friday to Sunday from 10:30 am to 7 pm
- Andrew Haydon Park
- Every day from 7 am to 6 pm
- Westboro Beach
- Every day from 11:30 am to 7 pm
- Mooney’s Bay Beach
- Monday to Thursday from 10:30 am to 9 pm
- Friday to Sunday from 10:30 am to 7 pm
- Petrie Island Beaches
- Monday to Thursday from 10:30 am to 9 pm
- Friday to Sunday from 10:30 am to 7 pm
Beaches
- Like the green spaces in City parks, visitors can sit or walk on City-owned beaches. Please remember, beaches located in provincial parks remain closed under Ontario’s Emergency Orders.
The City plans to begin water quality testing and to have lifeguards on duty at municipal beaches daily from noon to 7 pm starting June 27 until August 30, 2020. Please check back here for current information on beaches reopening, and Ottawa Public Health’s website for water quality testing results.
Park Ambassador program
Parks Ambassadors are trained City staff who can provide guidance for residents who are using some of Ottawa’s busiest parks. They will provide information, answer questions and clarify any confusion about what’s permitted in City parks. Of course, all while maintaining a safe two-metre distance from others.
You may see Park Ambassadors working in pairs, wearing green City of Ottawa t-shirts and red jackets on cold days. They will not be giving out tickets, but are available to educate and inform park users about how to use the parks, and how to get more information about recreation, social and mental health resources in Ottawa.
Boat launches
- Boat launches at City parks opened on Saturday, May 16, as permitted in the Province of Ontario stage-one reopening.
- It’s important to note that even in normal times, it is never permitted to launch watercraft from beaches. The Parks and Facilities By-law prohibits watercraft from being launched in areas that are not specifically designated for launching watercraft.
