Kingston’s Gord Downie Pier and Breakwater Beach reopens to the public, city asks for precautions
Kingston’s Gord Downie Pier and Breakwater Park Beach have reopened to the public.
It has many in the area ready for a dip, but city officials are hoping people will continue to follow the COVID-19 rules so it can stay that way.
Liam McLeish is ready for his first plunge of the year, but this soon into the season, it’s a still a bit chilly.
"But, it’s worth it," McLeish tells CTV News Ottawa, after emerging from the dock.
The 9-year-old and his friend Callum Aird are two enjoying physically distant fun at the beach on Friday.
"It’s super exciting just to see the pier open and not being a giant fence in the way," says McLeish.
"It’s just so nice to look at the sand and be in the sand and play," agrees Aird.
Mom Katie Aird says it’s nice to take her son somewhere sunny and safe.
"I’m really happy it’s open," she laughs. "I almost felt like I was misbehaving coming down here today!"
If you want to feel your toes in the sand, the city says there are some rules you’re going to have to follow. That means no groups larger than 10 people, and you have to maintain a two-metre distance from those outside of your household.
The park was closed for the season early last September because it proved to be a popular gathering spot.
The area’s councillor Peter Stroud says police will be monitoring the situation closely.
"The way I assess this situation is it’s a trial," he says. "We’re going to try it, and if social distancing becomes impossible problem then it’ll most likely have to be closed again."
He tells CTV News he’s encouraging people to maintain their distance at the park, and get vaccinated.
Pete Beattie says he often takes the pier on his daily walks and it’s nice to see it back open.
"This is one of my favs, I love this park and I love this bridge," he says. "I hope people use it wisely."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Why drivers in Eastern Canada could see big gas price spikes, and other Canadians won't
Drivers in Eastern Canada face a big increase in gas prices because of various factors, especially the higher cost of the summer blend, industry analysts say.
How to avoid the trap of becoming 'house poor'
The journey to home ownership can be exciting, but personal finance columnist Christopher Liew warns about the trappings of becoming 'house poor' -- where an overwhelming portion of your income is devoured by housing costs. Liew offers some practical strategies to maintain better financial health while owning a home.
Toxic forever chemicals in drinking water: Is Canada doing enough?
As the United States sets its first national limits on toxic forever chemicals in drinking water, researchers say Canada is lagging when it comes to regulations.
'A living nightmare': Winnipeg woman sentenced following campaign of harassment against man after online date
A Winnipeg woman was sentenced to house arrest after a single date with a man she met online culminated in her harassing him for years, and spurred false allegations which resulted in the innocent man being arrested three times.
Some customers steaming after McDonald's ends free hot drink sticker program
It took years for Vinnie Deluca to collect more than 400 cards worth of free McDonald's McCafe coffee, a collection that now has "zero value" after the company discontinued the program.
Biden scores endorsements from Kennedy family, looking to shore up support against Trump and RFK Jr.
U.S. President Joe Biden will accept endorsements from at least 15 members of the Kennedy political family during a campaign stop in Philadelphia on Thursday as he aims to undermine Donald Trump and marginalize the candidacy of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Where did the gold go? Crime expert weighs in on unfolding Pearson airport heist investigation
Almost 7,000 bars of pure gold were stolen from Pearson International Airport exactly one year ago during an elaborate heist, but so far only a tiny fraction of that stolen loot has been found.
When new leaders took over in ancient Maya, they didn't just bury the former royals. They burned their bodies in public
New archeological investigations in Guatemala reveal that the ancient Maya people had a ritual of burning royal human remains as a public display of political regime change.
Party's over: Coyotes play final game as Arizona franchise before move to Salt Lake City
Mullett Arena buzzed like few times in the two years since the Arizona Coyotes moved in, the fans amped for one last desert hurrah.