Mayor assures public that city will ensure that large crowds do not congregate in Spencer Smith Park

News 100 redBy Staff

June 10th, 2021

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Mayor Meed Ward released the following comments to the public:

Last weekend, on Saturday night, we experienced a large gathering of youth at Beachway Park in Burlington, with approximately 1000 individuals congregating at the beach and surrounding parking lots.

Police responded on-site as many local residents reported their concerns relating to illegal gathering and crowding, public safety, use of the park after hours (the posted closure time is 11 p.m.), and the illegal use of fireworks and alcohol.

Saturday balcony shot

Mayor has been made aware of efforts to organize a similar gathering this coming weekend.

We have been made aware of efforts to organize a similar gathering this coming weekend and want to ensure the public is aware that the City of Burlington, including bylaw, roads and parks staff, is working in partnership with Burlington Fire and the Halton Regional Police to prevent this type of activity from recurring.

Our parks throughout Burlington are open to the public for responsible use so that our community can enjoy the amenities there and spend time outdoors. This is even more important during the current COVID-19 pandemic while indoor gatherings are still not permitted. Outdoor gatherings of up to 10 people will be permitted by the Province as of Friday, June 11.

We are committed to providing our community with safe and healthy outdoor environments to support their physical and mental well-being.

In an effort to deter activity that will put health and safety at risk, we will be closing access to Beachway Park, including adjacent parking lots, beginning at 8 p.m. on Saturday evening and limiting vehicle and pedestrian access on that area of Lakeshore Road. There will be an increased presence of police, bylaw officers and Burlington Fire personnel throughout all city parks over the weekend to monitor activity and keep our community safe and healthy.

Please use our parks as intended, safely and responsibly, so that everyone can continue to enjoy this valued outdoor space in these challenging times.

Mayor Marianne Meed Ward

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2 comments to Mayor assures public that city will ensure that large crowds do not congregate in Spencer Smith Park

  • Penny Hersh

    Unfortunately one shot is not 100% effective. Less than 10% of Canadians are fully vaccinated ( 2 shots). Even after the 2nd shot one has to wait 2 weeks before being totally protected.

    On the late night news last evening the concern seems to be the DELTA variant ( from India) which is now in Europe as well. ” It is the hope that the current vaccinations will protect against this variant”.

    Large gatherings are just not safe right now.

  • mich kicz

    simple solution ,anybody who can prove they got the shot can enter the park no need to worry about spreading the virus