COVID-19 - Restrictions on access to municipal parks

Gatineau, March 26, 2020. – Further to the latest instructions from the Government of Quebec and the Direction de la santé publique, the Executive Committee has decided to place restrictions on the use of municipal parks. Effective immediately, all play structures and sports fields are off limits. The same with skate parks and swings. People can still access other parts of the parks, but gatherings are prohibited: people must maintain a two-metre distance from one another.

Quick facts

●	Play structures, playgrounds and sports fields are off limits until further notice.

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Access to other parts of the parks for strolling, jogging or walking dogs on leash is permitted. However, the social distancing rules set by the Government of Quebec remain in effect and must be followed. It is also recommended that people not touch any of the outdoor furniture, such as picnic tables.

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In collaboration with our partner organizations, dog exercise areas and the Jardins-Lavigne dog park are closed until further notice. The dog parks are closed except those in the following places : - parc de la Technologie, Hull sector; - parc Lamarche, Gatineau sector; and - parc du Lac-Beauchamp, Gatineau sector. Dogs must remain on leash. The social distancing rules set by the Government of Quebec must be maintained.

●	Signs will be posted to remind people that these structures and the sports fields are off-limits. City staff will patrol the parks to encourage compliance.

●	Gatineau invites residents to follow these new rules as well as the Province's instructions.

●	Everyone's cooperation is essential during these exceptional times.

●	Gatineau will take steps to increase awareness and inform the public about the new rules.

●	Gatineau has 364 parks, with a total of 365 playgrounds and 1,017 swings.

Associated links

SPVG news release – Service de police de la Ville de Gatineau (SPVG) is enforcing the public health state of emergency (In French only)

Government of Quebec

COVID-19 (Ville de Gatineau Web site)

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