After reviewing the idea some more, the City of North Bay will, in fact, be closing down a portion of Memorial Drive this weekend.
City officials say the street will be closed between the Lake Nipissing marina and Regina Street from 3:00 p.m. tomorrow until 8:00 a.m. Monday. The closure is designed to allow those who are out walking or riding their bikes space to maintain physical distancing. Vehicles will be able to access the waterfront parking lots and marina entrance. Signage indicating no through traffic will be posted ahead of both entrances to Memorial Drive along Lakeshore Drive and Main Street West.
“We received a lot of positive feedback about designating Memorial Drive an active transportation route during the Victoria Day weekend and we want to continue to ensure there’s enough space at the Waterfront for our residents to get out and enjoy the fresh air while maintaining the required two-metre physical distance from others,” said Mayor Al McDonald. “This initiative is aligned with our top priority of protecting the health and safety of our residents.”
Officials add that while the use of benches, picnic tables, and shelters are the parks are now permitted, public washrooms remain closed under provincial orders. Groups of five or more are still restricted. Play structures, swings, slides, splash pads and outdoor exercise equipment also remain closed.
