Some community members are feeling the frustration now that walking trails in wooded areas are off-limits.
The provincial government has banned any unnecessary activity in forests or wooded areas to avoid a wildfire during incredibly dry conditions.
A Halifax resident in Shubie Park tells our newsroom it is unfortunate that the people who are playing by the rules are affected by those are not.
“We’re doing it because of people throwing out cigarette butts and doing illegal fires. But in a park, that’s surrounded by water and canals and bogs, you could probably keep part of it open…even the surrounding part, just around the lake so that people can get their steps in nature. Because it’s good for your health,” she says.
Update from HRM
To be clear about what parks are open and closed, the city provided more information.
In a news release Wednesday afternoon, HRM says parks that are entirely woods, are now fully closed including Admiral Cove, Hemlock Ravine and Shaw Wildnerness Park.
Parks with non-wooded areas, remain open for use, including the Halifax Common, the Dartmouth Common, Sullivan’s Pond – as well as municipal playgrounds, sports fields and ball diamonds.
Parks that both woods and non-wooded areas, have sections that are closed off:
- Fort Needham Memorial Park, where the monument, playground and sports field remain open, but the woods are closed.
- Point Pleasant Park, where the Sailor’s Memorial Way remains open, but trails through the wooded areas are closed. Residents are advised that the upper parking lot, from Point Pleasant Drive, is closed.
- Shubie Park, where the campground, ballfield, Fairbanks Centre, pump track and supervised beach remain open. The trails, including the off-leash trail system and off-leash beach area, are closed.
This also includes any active transportation trails.
BLT Trail supports move
One large, popular, multi-use trail in HRM supports the decision.
In an email to our newsroom, BLT Rails to Trails Association says they fully understand the move, as difficult of a decision as it must have been.
“We believe it’s a necessary step to protect not only the trail itself, but the safety of Nova Scotians and the well-being of our first responders,” says the association.
They add, during this Board’s time, they have experienced severe weather events and natural disasters that have shown them how important it is to take “swift, proactive measures when public safety is a risk.”
The fine for going into the woods is $25,000 – the same as the burn ban – which is in effect until October 15 or when conditions improve.
