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Residents flock to Newmarket's hills during lockdown

"People are looking for things to do, especially for their kids to keep them healthy, busy and active. So we are encouraging people to keep getting fresh air and exercise," said Mayor John Taylor

Heading to your favourite hill with a sled or toboggan has rarely been as popular in Newmarket as it is this winter.

Go to any number of popular sledding spots around town on the weekend, and you will find dozens of children and their families speeding down the slopes and laughing as they run back up to do it all again.

Public health officials have long said that it is important to get outside for some regular exercise, but with strict rules in place limiting the size of gatherings because of the lockdown, how does that apply to tobogganing hills?

According to the province's rules for the Ontario-wide lockdown, tobogganing is acceptable and there are no specific rules for how many people can use them at any given time. Many other outdoor recreational facilities such as trails, playgrounds, skate parks, and ice rinks are also allowed to remain open. 

Newmarket Mayor John Taylor said he is not surprised that sledding has become such a popular activity this winter. 

"Obviously, our hills are busier than ever; anyone passing by in a car can see that, and that's fair. People are looking for things to do, especially for their kids to keep them healthy, busy and active. So we are encouraging people to keep getting fresh air and exercise," said Taylor.

"If there is one thing that I have learned through all of this, it's that being outdoors is not only good for your physical health."

The Town of Newmarket does not officially operate or maintain any of the hills, even if they are in a municipal park, so anyone using them is doing so at their own risk. Beyond that, Taylor urges residents to be careful, keep their distance from one another, and to have fun.

Newmarket's bylaw office has not received any complaints to date about the crowded hills and lack of physical distancing.

York Region's advice to residents is much in line with the mayor's: that going out sledding is fine provided that you take steps to protect yourself and others. Director of communication Patrick Casey provides some guidelines to follow while out on the hills:

  • Tobogganing is a safe outdoor activity with people you live with; do not congregate with others
  • Stay home and do not participate in outdoor activities if you are not feeling well – even if your symptoms are only mild
  • Residents are reminded to practise physical distancing during outdoor activities with anyone outside your household by staying two metres apart
  • Wear a face mask or covering when inside public places and when physical distancing cannot be maintained
  • If the hill looks too crowded and physical distancing cannot be maintained, it may be best to try to revisit that activity another day or try an alternate outdoor activity like building a snowman or going for a walk or hike in the York Regional Forest
  • Limit personal items and pack essentials only (water bottle, equipment)
  • Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands and clean your hands thoroughly when you return home from the activity.

 

 

 


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Alan S. Hale

About the Author: Alan S. Hale

Alan S. Hale is a reporter for NewmarketToday.ca
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