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
BREAKING Iran fires at apparent Israeli attack drones near Isfahan air base and nuclear site
An apparent Israeli drone attack on Iran saw troops fire air defences at a major air base and a nuclear site early Friday morning near the central city of Isfahan, an assault coming in retaliation for Tehran's unprecedented drone-and-missile assault on the country.
NEW After hearing thousands of last words, this hospital chaplain has advice for the living
Hospital chaplain J.S. Park opens up about death, grief and hearing thousands of last words, and shares his advice for the living.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Ontario woman loses $15,000 to fake Walmart job scam
A woman who recently moved to Canada from India was searching for a job when she got caught in an online job scam and lost $15,000.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Ottawa to force banks to call carbon rebate a carbon rebate in direct deposits
Canadian banks that refuse to identify the carbon rebate by name when doing direct deposits are forcing the government to change the law to make them do it, says Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault.
DEVELOPING G7 warns of new sanctions against Iran as world reacts to apparent Israeli drone attack
Group of Seven foreign ministers warned of new sanctions against Iran on Friday for its drone and missile attack on Israel, and urged both sides to avoid an escalation of the conflict.
Some Canadian families will receive up to $620 per child today
More money will land in the pockets of some Canadian families on Friday for the latest Canada Child Benefit installment.