Breakwater Park beach and Gord Downie Pier again closed to public
After reports of large gatherings at Gord Downie Pier and the beach at Breakwater Park over the weekend, the area will again be closed to the public.
In a press release dated today, Monday, Mar. 22, 2021, the City of Kingston said, based on the recommendation of KFL&A Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Kieran Moore, effective today, they will close the beach area of Breakwater Park and Gord Downie Pier to reduce the risk of COVID-19 in the community.
“We have seen an increase in cases in the past couple of weeks, so we need to reinforce precautions and support the Section 22 Order, which limits gatherings to five people or fewer outside as well as inside,” says Mayor Bryan Paterson.
The City previously closed the beach area of Breakwater Park and Gord Downie Pier on Sept. 5, 2020 as recommended by Public Health, after large crowds had gathered, reducing the ability for beach-goers to maintain physical distancing. These areas reopened earlier this year following the provincial shutdown.
By amending the emergency order, the City is prohibiting use of these areas and is looking to the public to again comply with the closure. According to the City, the remainder of Breakwater Park will still be accessible and subject to the physical distancing requirements under the emergency order issued on Sept. 4, 2020.
The City said they have been working closely with KFL&A Public Health to address COVID-19 risks in the community, and have enacted this closure to continue to protect the health of our community.
Residents are reminded that the emergency order issued on Sept. 4, 2020 by Mayor Bryan Paterson remains in effect, to ensure that physical distancing is being followed in all City parks.
Enforcement
Kingston Police and the City’s Bylaw Enforcement team are enforcing current regulations under the Province’s orders, the Section 22 Order issued by KFL&A Public Health and this new Breakwater Park/Gord Downie Pier closure order. Please call Kingston Police’s non-emergency number to report gatherings of concern at 613-549-4660.
On March 26, 2020, Mayor Paterson declared a state of emergency, under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act. Under Bylaw 2020-068, the head of City Council may make orders that are believed necessary and essential under the circumstances to prevent or mitigate harm to individuals.