Mayor Crombie clarified that we are currently in Phase One and that Phase Two is set to take effect on June 1, 2020.
In response to Councillor Damerla’s inquiry regarding providing a benchmark and the rationale that provides evidence that supports an opening of phase two so that residents can understand, Dr. Loh explained the bases for the framework and advised that he will be providing a full detailed framework at the Regional Council meeting on Thursday, May 28, 2020.
Shari Lichterman, Commissioner of Community Services, noted that the date selected for Phase Two was based on the amount of time necessary to organize operations and to have staff mobilized.
In response to Councillor Ras’ inquiry regarding obtaining the number of tests performed, including the number of negative results, and testing for anti-bodies, Dr. Loh advised that the Provincial Lab is now providing more detailed information on the number of tests performed including the numbers that tested negative, and that those numbers will be made available soon. Dr. Loh further advised that the testing of anti-bodies was approved at the Federal level earlier this month and that they are waiting for more details from the Ministry of Health to commence testing.
In response to Councillor Ras’ inquiry regarding why tennis courts are restricted to every other court in play, Shari Lichterman, Commissioner of Community Services advised that this is a cautious approach and in line with what is recommended by Tennis Canada in their return to play program.
Councillor Ras requested that a copy of the Tennis Canada directive be sent to her.
Councillor Dasko expressed concern that large clusters of people, not all local residents, are visiting the waterfront and inquired whether it is recommended that people wear masks while at parks or trails. Dr. Loh advised that ideally parks would not be so crowded and people would continue to maintain physical distancing measures that would not necessitate the wearing of a mask. Dr. Loh noted that although he has expressed support for the recommendations in Phase Two Re-Opening Framework, it does not mean that things have returned to normal and cautioned residents to maintain physical distancing to help the spread of COVID-19 and recommends residents stay within their community and use their local parks.
In response to Councillor Kovac’s inquiry regarding the rationale for not including the opening of basketball courts, soccer fields, and bocce ball courts, and the recommendations of cancelling summer festival and events, Dr. Loh advised that this is a phased approach, which affords the opportunity to educate residents and strikes a balance between not opening too much too soon and noted that regrettably this summer will not be as it has been in the past with large significant gatherings which would challenge the efforts made to stop the spread of COVID-19.
In response to Councillor Saito’s inquiry regarding opening parking lots, other than those adjacent to parks, and whether parking spaces have to be limited, Dr. Loh advised that City of Mississauga may consider to do so only if it’s done in a manner that ensures that people could maintain physical distancing and avoid large crowding. Dr. Loh further advised that individuals should govern themselves accordingly and take into consideration the public health recommendations and respect the rules by maintaining physical distancing to stop the spread of COVID-19. Andra Maxwell, City Solicitor further advised that the Provincial government has included in the Provincial Order making it a requirement that individuals stand 6 feet apart at essential services and at recreational amenities.
In response to Councillor Ras' inquiry regarding gates at leash free parks, Shari Lichterman, Commissioner of Community Services advised that each leash free park location is being assessed in terms of what gate options are appropriate to minimize contact.
In response to Councillor Dasko's inquiry regarding opening city parking lots, Shari Lichterman, Commissioner of Community Services advised that parking lots at larger parks will be first to open and may open as early as the weekend, and that other parking lots across the city will start opening over the next couple of weeks as permitted, and further advised of the launch of the Park Ambassador Program where staff will be assigned to parks to inform and educate the public.
Councillor Mahoney spoke regarding the current waiving of on-street parking exemption and the opening of parking lots that it may cause more crowding and suggests that staff monitor the situation and flag if we need to revisit the waiving of on-street parking.
Gary Kent, Commissioner, Corporate Services spoke regarding the launch of the bike patrols in the parks, which will include Peel Regional Police, Parking Enforcement and Animal Services.
In response to Mayor Crombie’s inquiry whether patrols would be out this weekend if some of the parks were to open, Gary Kent, Commissioner of Corporate Services advised that staff would not be ready to commence their patrols this weekend, but would be the following weekend.