Let it snow: Halifax Public Gardens to stay open for winter strolls

The Halifax Public Gardens will be open year-round, starting this winter.

The city will begin keeping the historicgardens, established in the mid-1800s, open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.throughout the winter months, said spokesman NickRitceyon Wednesday.

Previously, the gardensclosed aroundmid-November and opened again inlate April or early May. Since 2012, there have beenefforts to keep the site open during the winter for limited daytime visits, as weather permitted.

This year, major paths will be maintained and the four corner gates will be kept open,Ritceysaid.

Main paths to stay cleared

"In the coming weeks, we'll have a map about what those will look like. We will release the maps on the site, on our website and social media [to show] where people can travel throughout the gardens," he said.

"Some of the paths, when there is a snow-clearing issue, won't be cleared. We will only be focusing on the main paths. There will be an area around Griffin's Pond that won't be accessible because there's going to be some work there this winter."

He said the city is responding tofeedback from users who want to access the downtown park during winter months, in addition to urban green spaces such as Point Pleasant Park and the Halifax Commons.

"We ask that everyone follow and respect the rules of the gardens and enjoy it through the winter months as it can be really nice in the winter as well,"Ritceysaid.

No bathroom facilities in winter

"There will probably be lessons we will learn about trying to clearthe snow and keep the paths clean.Obviously when there's big storms, everyone's going to have to be patient. The streets will take first priority but we'll be making every effort to keep it open throughout those hours."

There won't be any bathrooms open throughout the winter, Ritcey said.

The cost of keeping the gardens open will be minimal andmostly connected to snow clearing, he added.

"We'll be assessing after this winter how everythingwent andsee if any changes need to be made next winter."

The gardens will remained closed for safety reasons in the event of a major storm and ifa significant amount of snow removal is needed.