Kincardine trails are open right now despite Bruce County and Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority trails being shut down.
While most trails are closed as a precaution against the coronavirus and lack of social distancing, Kincardine council doesn't see it that way.
At a special electronic meeting Monday, where only the mayor and some support staff were at the council chambers, the rest of council and most support staff checked in by phone.
Councillor Laura Haight says the trails should remain open because they are providing a useful service to Kincardine residents.
Chambers says, “It is important for us to continue to provide opportunities for people to get outside and exercise. There is a real mental health aspect to this crisis and self-isolation.”
The province issued a new order Monday night closing all public or private outdoor recreational amenities in Ontario, including playgrounds, sports fields, basketball and tennis courts, dog parks, beaches, bike parks, picnic areas, outdoor communtiy gardens, park shelters, outdoor exercise equipment and other outdoor recreational amenities.
However, the province's order did allow for green spaces in parks, trails, ravines and conservation areas to remain open for walkthrough access, provided individuals maintain a safe physical distance of at least two metres apart.
In other business, councillors have decided they will revert to their regular meeting schedule via teleconferencing for the time being.
The first regular meeting should be on Monday, April 6th.