Administration has their direction from council to return nets to outdoor rinks across the city.
The elected body voted 8-5 in favour of the next step after choosing to post-pone the decision following a lengthy debate at a late January council meeting.
City Manager Norm Gale indicated to council Monday night that the Thunder Bay District Health Unit wouldn’t confirm whether the nets should or shouldn’t be in place. However, our own Vic Krasowski talked with the Medical Officer of Health Dr. Janet DeMille last week, who indicated the city should really do it’s due diligence to prevent hockey games from being played.
Despite that article being referenced by McKellar Ward’s Brian Hamilton, several elected officials expressed frustration with the local health unit.
“If I had a clear reasoning from the health unit and if there were some examples of citations saying that we’re actually enforcing the rules then I’d be more inclined to leave the nets off the ice but I don’t see any reason not to have them,” says Northwood councillor Shelby Ch’ng.
“I’m just really upset that the health unit is just going to ‘wash their hands’ of this and not give an opinion either way. They’re quick to give opinions about everything but now they want the nets issue to be in our court,” stressed At Large councillor Trevor Giertuga.
“They’re not going to tell us to do it for sure but they’ll fine us anyway if we do it. It seems silly to me,” Neebing Ward councillor Cody Fraser, with a chuckle.
What Fraser is referring to is a provincial rule that indicates the corporation could face a fine of up to $10 million if found to not be following the COVID-19 rules.
Meanwhile Mayor Bill Mauro feels better enforcement would’ve avoided the vote in the first place.
“I’ve been for months beseeching people that if you don’t feel you can get individuals in the community to adhere to the regulations, then tell me why you haven’t laid a ticket!” Mauro told council. “I don’t want anybody to get ticketed for $800 but if you’re responsibility for public health and you have a tool in your toolbox that can convey the strength of your commitment and your message why haven’t you used it?”
Administration will now consult with the Thunder Bay District Health Unit on how best to put the nets back in outdoor rinks.
