Happy Family Day weekend, Kanata North! I’m looking forward to a few days off with my kids and enjoying our beautiful community, but before doing so, I’d like to share a few suggestions on how to safely enjoy our community this weekend. It’s not just Family Day weekend, but also Lunar New Year and Valentine’s Day, and I urge you all to please remember to continue to be COVIDWise to help reduce the transmission of COVID-19 in our community.
It’s looking like another beautiful (albeit cold!) long weekend, perfect to get outside to enjoy some fresh air with members of your household. You could build a snowman, go for a romantic walk, or enjoy one of Kanata’s many trails, paths, and outdoor rinks. We’re very fortunate to be surrounded by so much natural beauty.
Remember to dress for the weather and don’t forget your mask. Please use your judgement. If you find yourself in a crowded area, wear your mask, or consider spending your time elsewhere. Here are some ideas:
Go for a walk
The easiest option is sometimes best. A neighbourhood walk is safe, responsible, and it always does the trick when you need to stretch your legs and clear your head. Staying close to home is a good idea, both because Ottawa Public Health is advising us to do so, and because the weather forecast is looking quite cold. If you’re spending time outside, make sure you and your family dress warmly.
Cross country ski/snowshoe
If you’re an avid cross-country skier or you like to snowshoe, you’ve probably already got a favourite spot in our community. Two of my favourites include the Kanata Lakes Golf and Country Club and Watts Creek trail on Corkstown Road. Please be considerate to others, share the path, and stay distant from those not in your household.
Tobogganing
Kanata North has many tobogganing hills. Please remember, if it’s crowded, find another hill, be patient, or consider doing something else. My kids love the hill at South March Public School! The Kanata Lakes Golf and Country Club also has a few great hills, and – of course – there’s the big hill at the Kanata Recreation Complex. The current capacity limit on any given hill is 25 people. More details on this can be found here.
Skating
Whether you’re skating on a back yard rink, a pond, or a community rink, please do so with caution and follow the rules. There is a 45-minute time limit imposed at most of the city’s rinks. Given the cold weather we’re expecting, that should be plenty of time. Please be considerate and give others a chance to enjoy the rinks as well this Family Day weekend. Here are some of the COVID-19 restrictions in effect on our rinks:
- No hockey sticks, pucks, or other team sports are permitted on the ice and skaters must maintain a two-metre distance from people outside their household.
- Masks are mandatory within 15 metres (50 ft) distance of the edge of the ice surface. Masks are not mandatory while skating but are highly recommended. Skaters who are not from the same household must keep two metres apart on and off the ice.
- Participants entering indoor spaces must review a COVID-19 health screening acknowledgement and provide contact tracing information
- Indoor spaces are open for washroom and first aid requirements only.
Visit OttawaPublicHealth.ca/SocialWise or ottawa.ca for more great ideas on how to enjoy these holidays safely.
I hope you have a wonderful long weekend. Stay healthy, safe, warm, and be COVIDWise.