Dogs allowed off-leash in Edmonton, first step in relaunch

The City of Edmonton will allow dogs to run loose again starting Saturday at 38 off-leash parks, interim city manager Adam Laughlin announced Friday.

It the city's first step in responsetoAlberta'srelaunch plans announced by Premier Jason Kenney on Thursday.

Safety remains the priority, Laughlin saidat a news conference at city hall.

"We ask that people continue to keep appropriate physical distance," he said."Let me be clear. This is one turn of the dial, not the flip of a switch."

The city has heard public complaints since orderingdogs be kept on leashes at the beginning of April, Laughlin said.

He noted that most people have been following physical distancing rules, But hereminded park users to be careful in parking lots.

• Edmonton closes fenced off-leash dog parks amid pandemic

The city is developing a plan to open municipal golf courses, which include Victoria, Rundle Park and Riverside.

Laughlin said his team will study how to monitor physical distancing requirements at golf courses but also the financialcapacity to reopen.

The city's state of local emergency remains in place until at least next week, Laughlin said.

While Edmonton phases in a relaunch, provincial orders remain in place requiring peopleto:

• Keep two-metre physical distance in public spaces, including outdoors
• Self-isolate if confirmed or suspected to have COVID-19
• Limit all gatherings to a maximum of 15 people

Mayor Don Ivesonurged the public to continue following critical guidelines such as self-isolating when sick and maintaining physical distancing.

"We could well see another spike in cases, and of course the road to stage two and stage three would then take a lot longer," he said.

Temporary lay off noticesaffecting 4,100 staff in transit operations, recreation centres, libraries,Edmonton EXPO Centre and Edmonton Convention Centreremain in place.

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