Golf courses, other outdoor amenities reopen in Ontario

Golf courses and other outdoor recreational facilities can reopen across Ontario on Saturday, including in Waterloo Region.

Residents can also resume using tennis courts, skate parks, and sports fields. 

However, outdoor sports and classes remain off limits.

“We're thrilled that the government has finally agreed and followed the science and the doctors to allow us to reopen,” said Helen McArdle, Manager at the Waterloo Tennis Club.

She said there's a lot of work to do to get the club ready for players, so it's not clear if it will be able to reopen this weekend.

“At this time, it will depend on whether we can get our software ready to go for us to be able to book our courts online and accept memberships for summer, and if we can get the courts ready,” explained McArdle.

Bob Cheyne is Manager for Sports Development and Golf in the City of Kitchener. He said both the Rockway and Doon courses will reopen on Saturday.

“Our courses are in great shape. We're working on getting the remainder of our staff back and scheduled.”

Cheyne added people have been asking when courses would reopen for awhile, and the booking system has been overwhelmed with golfers anxious to tee-up.

Waterloo Regional Police are hoping residents will enjoy the loosened outdoor restrictions, safely.

In a written statement issued on Friday, WRPS Chief Bryan Larkin said, “Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic is not over, and as our health care providers remain committed to vaccinating as many people as they can, we must all continue to do our part by respecting the Stay-at-Home Order.”

Police reminded residents to follow public health protocols, only gather with members of their household, and stay home if it's not for an essential purpose.

With files from Erin Anderson and The Canadian Press