Provincial plan delays opening of Ottawa's splash pads

Splash pads in Ottawa won't be reopening this week after all, according to the city.

The news comes after the Ontario government released its reopening plans Thursday afternoon.

The provincial roadmapreopens golf courses, tennis courts and other outdoor amenities as early as this Saturday. However, it slatessplash pads, outdoor pools and wading pools for reopening sometimearound June 14.

On Wednesday during a virtual news conference, Dr. Vera Etches, Ottawa's medical officer of health, said she sees splash pads as similar to playgrounds, which means they'dbe exempt from the province-wide stay-at-home order.

Etches didn't provide a specific timeline for reopening, but said some residents were already reporting the water had been turned on at certain splashpads.

In an announcement Thursday, however, the City of Ottawa said none of its 127 pads would openthis week, and that they would instead open as soon as it's allowedby the province possibly on June 14.

Mayor, councillorsunimpressed

Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson asked Premier Doug Ford in a tweet Thursday evening to reconsider his decision regarding splash pads.

"Please reconsider your decision to not allow splash pads to open at the same time as other outdoor activities like golf and basketball," Watson said. "It's going to be over 30 C this long weekend."

"Makes no sense," tweetedBeacon Hill-CyrvilleCoun. Tim Tierney, responding to the news.

"Nuts," said Kitchissippi WardCoun. Jeff Leiper in a tweet.