Toronto locals risk $5,000 coronavirus fine for visiting closed parks
Just another day in the park… well, not really...
If anything, the Coronavirus has been a force of nature – not just when it comes to ailing and killing individuals, but also when it comes to putting the brakes on fun. Sports stadia are shuttered; movie theatres are dark; casinos are closed; weddings are being cancelled. It makes one want to get outside and let off some steam – but even that is somewhat of a no-no, at least in the City of Toronto.
Recently, the authorities in Hogtown decided that because too many people are not properly socially-distancing themselves from one and other, it was time to close city parks, sports fields, baseball diamonds, and basketball courts. Even off-leash dog parks are now under the ban in Toronto.
I ventured out to Eglington Park in midtown Toronto on a balmy spring day to check out the scene and quickly noticed things were not typical. For example, the playground equipment was deserted – not what you’d expect, really, given that all the kids are still not back to school from March break thanks to COVID-19.
In fact, there was only a scattering of people in the park, although some dog owners who were using the baseball diamond outfield as an off-leash park weren’t religiously embracing the 2-metre apart rule.
As well, a couple of young women who ventured into the playground received a tongue-lashing from two passers-by, being told they had to get off the playground equipment due to #coronavirus concerns.
But in fairness, if the city is banning park use – and violators can face a fine of up to $5,000 for disobeying this edict – then why is there no signage erected notifying park users that the fields and playgrounds are indeed closed? I only spotted a few signs noting the playground equipment isn’t being disinfected and that the use of equipment was at one’s own risk – but that info was obsolete as of Thursday.
In the days ahead, we will see if law enforcement start fining individuals for breaking the parkland ban – even though so many people are suffering are no doubt suffering from another “virus” right now: cabin fever.

David Menzies
Mission Specialist
David “The Menzoid” Menzies is the Rebel News "Mission Specialist." The Menzoid is equal parts outrageous and irreverent as he dares to ask the type of questions those in the Media Party would rather not ponder.
