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Local golfers are calling for a provincial mulligan in hopes of returning to their favourite course.
There are growing calls for the government to reverse its decision to close courses during the stay-at-home order as playgrounds are open and people can go out and fish.
Wade Petranik is one of many strongly opposed to the golf restriction.
“Ontario is the only jurisdiction in the world that has restricted golf. Last year over 20 million rounds of golf were played without a single attributable case of COVID transmission.”
Petranik was taken aback on a recent comment by the premier that his buddies told him most people carpool and stick around after to drink.
“I can tell you last season. I don’t recall seeing any carpooling. I know that people showed up just before their tee time, played their round and for the most part went home. That was an insult to responsible seniors, men, women and kids who enjoy our game.”
He stresses the outdoor pastime is important for mental health and physical wellness but also the local economy.
“For them to lose more than a month’s revenue in an already short season, that could be up to 20% or 25% of their revenue, for no good reason, it is economically devastating. And during the time they are closed they still have to maintain the course and cut the grass.”
Petranik fears some courses in the north will have to close for good as a result.
“I think that would be a terrible tragedy for the quality of life for people living in small towns living in small towns across northern Ontario.”
Petranik stresses the decision is nothing more than a political move with no medical or scientific merit.
He believes it will backfire when we head to the polls next year.
Petranik is urging the public to call, email or write Ontario politicians including Kenora-Rainy River MPP Greg Rickford.
Wade Petranik is the former Chief Executive Officer at the Dryden Regional Health Centre.
Premier Doug Ford has stated the decision was made to limit mobility.
However, Minister of Health Christine Elliott hinted Monday that certain outdoor recreation could be back open soon.
She said some activities could be made available before the expiry of the current stay-at-home order.
“As we announced last week, the impacts of these public health measures and the stay-at-home order will continue to be evaluated over the coming weeks, with consideration being made to the opening of outdoor recreational amenities on or before June 2, subject to the current positive trends continuing.”
Elliott made the comments during the debate of an NDP motion calling for the re-opening of outdoor facilities.
The motion was later defeated by a vote of 63-21.
(With Files From Kevin Jeffery: Thunder Bay)
