Chateauguay reopens water parks despite water ban, prompting mixed responses
Despite a city-wide water ban, the City of Chateauguay announced Tuesday it will reopen its waterparks and continue construction of future facilities.
The water ban, which began on June 11, prohibits residents from washing their cars and filling their pools. Restrictions also apply to watering lawns. Residents may water their gardens, but it must be done manually.
In a post to the Chateauguay website announcing the reopening of waterparks, the city acknowledged the existing water ban, adding that the park’s splash pads are equipped with a timer to prevent water waste.
“This exceptional approach aims to allow young and old to cool off during heat waves,” read the post.
Even with the summer heat, not all residents are jumping at the chance to use the facilities while limiting their own water usage.
Cory Bauer, who has lived in Chateauguay for the past eight years, says that if water can’t be freely used by residents, it shouldn’t be used for public recreation either.
“Our grass is dying, and plants as well," she said, "and the city is building and renovating a bunch of water parks."
SPLASH PADS PROVIDE MUCH-NEEDED RELIEF: RESIDENT
Initially, water parks were also included in the water ban, but city officials changed their decision after a Monday night council meeting.
At the meeting, Chateauguay resident and father-of-three Maxime Cromp stepped forward and demanded the parks be reopened. After hearing him out, city officials complied.
“The simple fact of closing the water games shows the disconnection of the city from the children,” he told CTV, pointing out how children growing up in unairconditioned apartments have less access to recreation and fewer escapes from the heat.
“As a community, we must defend the most disadvantaged and make this city a welcoming city for families,” he said.
The city announced in April that it is investing $3.8 million for new water parks and new park play equipment. Construction is underway.
Existing water parks are now open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
The City of Chateauguay has yet to reply to our request for comment.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
What to know about avian influenza in dairy cows and the risk to humans
Why is H5N1, or bird flu, a concern, how does it spread, and is there a vaccine? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about avian influenza.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
opinion The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales
Royal commentator Afua Hagan writes that when King Charles recently admitted Catherine to the Order of the Companions of Honour, it not only made history, but it reinforced the strong bond between the King and his beloved daughter-in-law.
Man convicted of involuntary manslaughter in father's drowning, told police he was baptizing him
A Massachusetts man who told police he was exorcising a demon and performing a baptism when he shoved his father's head under water multiple times has been convicted of involuntary manslaughter in his death.
New Norad commander calls Canada's defence policy update 'very encouraging'
American troops will be spending more time training in the Far North, the new commander of Norad says, a strategy that fits 'hand-in-glove' with Canada's renewed focus on Arctic defence.
$70M Lotto Max winners kept prize a secret from family for 2 months
During a special winner celebration near their hometown, Doug and Enid shared the story of how they discovered they were holding a Lotto Max ticket worth $70 million and how they kept this huge secret for so long.
Are Canadians getting sick from expired food?
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
Documents reveal Ottawa's efforts to get Loblaw, Walmart on board with grocery code
It was evident to the federal government as early as last fall that Loblaw and Walmart might be holdouts to the grocery code of conduct, jeopardizing the project's success.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.