“That Administration report back to Council on the options that could be considered to create safer opportunities for the public to enjoy access to our parks trail systems that enhances the ability for people to respect physical distancing protocols.”

This report is in response to CQ 10-2020.

Discussion:

As a result of COVID-19 and the subsequent Emergency Orders put in place by the province, media campaigns carried out by the City of Windsor, Local, Provincial and Federal Health Units, the Province of Ontario and the Federal Government, have all stressed the importance of maintaining social distancing. To comply with Municipal and Provincial orders the City of Windsor Parks Department has, at the locations of the aforementioned park amenities, erected signage, physical barriers and installed caution tape to alert the public to the closure of these park amenities. At this time, walking through the park trails is allowed provided individuals are adhering to social gathering put in place by the Ministry. and social distancing guidelines and other protocols

Current Measures

Parks is currently relying on the above mentioned media campaigns, which have included news releases, social media posts, videos and continual information updates on our website citywindsor.ca to educate the public. The department is also working with both the Windsor Police Auxiliary and the City’s By-Law Enforcement Officers to provide a presence within the Parks system to enforce the social distancing measures through education.

The Windsor Police Auxiliary are providing three (3), foot patrol units and one (1) mobile unit per shift, which are patrolling City Parks. These patrols are taking place each evening and as well as an additional shift during the day on weekends. The foot patrols are focused on high traffic areas such as the Central Riverfront, Ganatchio Trail and Malden Park, while the mobile patrol cycles through numerous other areas such as Jackson, Captain Wilson, Ford Test Track and Forest Glade Parks.

To aid in the creations of a safer environment the Parks Department could undertake any number of the following measures: By-Law Enforcement Officers have been working along with Parks Operations staff to address situations throughout the Park’s system. Officers have been present throughout the city Monday to Friday from 8am to 8pm. During these hours, while conducting citywide patrols for a number of issues and when responding to requests from Parks for Covid-19 related issues in specific parks, Officers have been educating park users to the requirements of the Provincial Orders. The ongoing level of assistance that Parks has been receiving from By-Law is likely not sustainable, past the point of the Province revoking the authorised powers of the municipal officers to enforce the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (EMPCA). Under normal circumstances only the Police have the authority to enforce regulations under the EMCPA. By-Law is responsible for responding to numerous issues and request for service in areas other than city parks.