Ottawa closes off-leash dog parks, park equipment due to COVID-19

The 'Bear's Lair' playground at Kinsmen Sports Centre is just one of the many outdoor playgrounds ordered closed by the City of Edmonton Tues., March 24, 2020. (CTV News Edmonton)

OTTAWA — The City of Ottawa has closed off-leash dog parks and playground equipment to the public during the COVID-19 pandemic.

But residents are still allowed to walk, jog and walk the dog through the parks, while maintaining proper physical distancing of two-metres.

The City has announced “all city park facilities and park equipment are now closed until further notice. Only walkthroughs are permitted.”

Here is a look at all play and park equipment closed across the City of Ottawa:

Public sports fields, ball diamonds, basketball and tennis courts are also closed.

In a note on its website, the city says “park and play equipment also encourage multiple users. Most importantly, the surfaces are not being cleaned and could potentially spread the COVID-19 virus.”

The City of Ottawa says residents can still walk through parks while maintaining social distancing.

“Safe park practices that are permitted includes running, walking or jogging through the park, while keeping a two-metre distance from others.”

Dog owners are asked to respect the established leashing requirements for each park.