By Canadian Press

Golf courses, tennis courts among Ontario rec facilities set to reopen

May 21, 2021 | 2:02 AM

Ontario golf courses and tennis courts figure to be busy over the long weekend.

Many of the provincial government’s restrictions on outdoor recreation facilities will come to an end Saturday after first coming into effect on April 17.

While Ontario Premier Doug Ford walked back moves on increased police power and the closing of playgrounds one day after making an announcement on additional restrictions related to the COVID-19 stay-at-home order on April 16, he kept outdoor sport facilities closed.

Ford gave the green light for outdoor recreation facilities to reopen on Thursday with restrictions in place, including physical distancing. Also, no team sports can be played or practised.

Ontario was the only jurisdiction in North America to ban golf, and that sport’s community has been vocal about its disagreement. Brooke Henderson, Canada’s winningest professional golfer, said earlier this week she hoped golf could return to her home province soon and added she felt the sport could be played safely.

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With COVID-19 far more transmissible indoors than outdoors, many have argued the resumption of outdoor sports can be beneficial for Ontarians at a challenging time.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 21, 2021.

The Canadian Press