Government okays opening of splash pads in Oakville, Burlington, Milton and across province

The Ford government cooled off Friday afternoon and will now allow splash pads to open up Saturday in Oakville, Burlington, Milton and across the province.

In a late afternoon tweet, Lisa MacLeod, Ontario’s Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Minister, announced the provincial government’s reversal.

“Recognizing that splash/spray pads, like other outdoor recreational amenities, can be safely enjoyed, we have amended the regulation to align splash pads/spray pads with other outdoor recreational amenities,” MacLeod said on Twitter.

“Splash/spray pads will be allowed to open 12:01 a.m. on May 22nd.”

Just a day after the Province announced it would be reopening golf courses, tennis courts and other outdoor amenities this long weekend, mayors across the province asked the government to allow the reopening of splash pads.

With high heat and humidity in Halton Region today, residents who live in a boiling condo or apartment are sure to be relieved with the government’s announcement.

Burlington Mayor Marianne Meed Ward, along with Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie and other mayors, responded Friday morning to Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson’s plea for the splash pads to be open.

The Burlington mayor tweeted that this was an equity issue with many of residents not having back yards and with high heat and humidity expected this weekend the province should let local residents safely cool off.

She was happy to hear the province changed directions on Friday afternoon.

“Great news!!,” Meed Ward tweeted late in the afternoon. “Splash pads will be open this weekend!! Thank you @BonnieCrombie, @JimWatsonOttawa who advocated and thank you to Premier @fordnation for making many kids & parents happy.”