Parents rejoice – Petrolia’s playgrounds will reopen Saturday.
But if you want to go to a council meeting in person – you’ll have to wait.
In a news release, town officials say “playground equipment in our parks will be fully inspected and deep cleaned prior to re-opening Saturday” as Lambton enters stage three in the province’s reopening plan.
But Mayor Brad Loosley says there are no plans for council to hold meetings in person. He says officials wanted to keep the number of people down in town hall, even though the new provincial guidelines allow 50 people indoors. The town hasn’t seen that big of crowds since the resignation of the former CAO.
Loosley says he had not considered whether the theatre could be used to accommodate an in person crowd of 50 people who were socially distanced.
“The other concern was the cost to maintain and sterilize and clean after everything. And I think it was felt at least for now, that we would agree to stay on Zoom until we still see what happens with his level three.”
Loosley says he will consider it.
For now, the arena will remain closed. The Petrolia Y is scheduled to reopen Aug. 21 and town hall will continue to be open with staff asking people to make appointments.