The first unofficial long weekend of summer has arrived
I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a safe and happy weekend as we head into the first Victoria Day long weekend in two years where COVID-19-related restrictions have been lifted. Many people will be heading out to visit and gather with family and friends. Currently the weather does not look great for many outdoor activities however this could change. Please be sure to plan ahead when heading out on your travels, give yourself some extra time. There’s going to be more traffic on the road, and remember that everybody’s just like you, wanting to get to where you’re going to be with the people you love.
City of Ottawa beaches are not officially open this weekend. Every year staff take as many measures as possible to discourage unsupervised swimming and minimize the risk at each waterfront location. The City has put the following measures into place to promote caution and safety for residence :
- Signage has been posted that the beaches are not open, swimming not advised (including Westboro)
- Red flags are up indicating water not being tested/no swimming advised
- Self-rescue equipment has been deployed during the last week in April.
- Beach Operational staff are on site beginning Saturday, May 21 to open the washrooms. They will also make regular safety announcements that the beaches are unsupervised and water not tested and proactive patrols if they see people swimming.
- Signage to not feed the birds and Bylaw link added to assist with site security issues.
- Booms/buoy lines have been installed at Mooney’s Bay, Britannia and Petrie.
- Safety equipment (first aid, trauma bags, AED’s etc.) is on site in case of land-based emergencies.
Beaches will open and life guards on duty starting on June 18 through to August 28 from 11am to 7pm.
Washroom facilities will open starting May 21 to September 5 Britannia Beach:
- Monday to Thursday, 10:30 am – 9 pm
- Friday to Sunday 10:30 am – 7 pm
For general information on beaches, please visit: Swimming | City of Ottawa or email beaches@ottawa.ca
All splash pads in @ottawacity will be activated this Saturday, May 21st, with the exception of those that will require repair resulting from winter weather damage. To find a splash pad near you, visit: https://ottawa.ca/en/recreation-and-parks/swimming
