During the pandemic, local trails, parks and open spaces in Chatham-Kent have seen a huge increase in usage, as people want to be active, albeit in a socially-distanced manner.
However, while it’s a good thing that people are using local trails and parks, an increased level of service is required to address the larger crowds. This includes more port-a-johns, picnic tables, garbage cans and garbage collection, and more maintenance.
At tonight’s council meeting, council will discuss spending more money–$318,000, to bump up service levels this year at local trails, parks and open spaces.
If council decides to spend the extra money, they would apply for provincial funding to pick up the tab.