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
Canada, G7 urge 'all parties' to de-escalate in growing Mideast conflict
Canada called for 'all parties' to de-escalate rising tensions in the Mideast following an apparent Israeli drone attack against Iran overnight.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
After hearing thousands of last words, this hospital chaplain has advice for the living
Hospital chaplain J.S. Park opens up about death, grief and hearing thousands of last words, and shares his advice for the living.
'It was all my savings': Ontario woman loses $15K to fake Walmart job scam
A woman who recently moved to Canada from India was searching for a job when she got caught in an online job scam and lost $15,000.
Families to receive Canada Child Benefit payment on Friday
More money will land in the pockets of some Canadian families on Friday for the latest Canada Child Benefit installment.
After COVID, WHO defines disease spread 'through air'
The World Health Organization and around 500 experts have agreed for the first time on what it means for a disease to spread through the air, in a bid to avoid the confusion early in the COVID-19 pandemic that some scientists have said cost lives.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
DEVELOPING G7 warns of new sanctions against Iran as world reacts to apparent Israeli drone attack
Group of Seven foreign ministers warned of new sanctions against Iran on Friday for its drone and missile attack on Israel, and urged both sides to avoid an escalation of the conflict.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.