While most are praising the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions, some municipalities and towns have been left with a whole new issue – keeping up.
Premier Stephen McNeil’s announcement of playgrounds opening as of noon Thursday created a rush for workers to inspect, prepare and plan common areas to open safely.
Karen Mattatall, mayor of the Town of Shelburne, said they have seen a number of requests for the town to open its splash park immediately.
However, it isn’t that easy.
“There’s still requirements that have to be met, and plans that have to be made to make sure you are doing it correctly and people understand those requirements,” she said.
Other municipalities, cities and towns are having the same issue. The Town of Bridgewater made a post on their Facebook page shortly after McNeil’s announcement stating playgrounds wouldn’t be opening right away.
“We’re asking for the patience of the public for a couple more days,” the post said.
A post shared by the Town of Bridgewater on the state of their playgrounds.
“Town staff will be completing regular maintenance and inspections of playgrounds throughout Bridgewater over the next week or so to ensure that all equipment is prepared and safe for our users, young and old alike.”
The issue, said Mattatall, is the provincial government does not provide them with advanced warning for these changes, meaning they must rush to figure out how to abide by new safety regulations each time.
“We’re very happy they are moving forward with removing restrictions,” she said, “But it would nice if they would give a little heads up, because its not just as simple as saying, ‘Hey, its open.’
With the current heat wave hitting most of Nova Scotia over the next few days, the town will be under lots of pressure to reopen their splash park.
While they are meeting with staff to figure out a safety plan to be put in place when they open the splash park, Mattatall said when that will be has not been determined yet.
