April 28, 2021 Dear Premier Ford, We are writing to you today to urge the Provincial Government to consider re-opening outdoor recreational activities that can be safely enjoyed in a physically distanced manner, including golf, tennis, and pickle ball. We would also support activities such as basketball, and skateboarding in skate parks, as long as good COVID-19 protocols are in place, such as physical distancing and mask wearing. The pandemic has stretched on for over a year now, and the residents of Ottawa are looking for safe ways that they can get outdoors to be physically active, and to maintain their mental health and wellbeing. The Stay-At-Home Order, and the necessary expansion of restrictions required to protect the health of our communities is not in question, and we are equally concerned about the current state of the pandemic, including the variants of concern which are taking a hold in our community. We also appreciate that the province is operating in a very challenging and ever- changing environment. Our concerns revolve around removing the few remaining safe ways that people can be active outdoors, in a physically distanced way. Activities such as golf, tennis, and pickle ball, all lend themselves to physical distancing. When distancing requirements are adhered to, these types of outdoor activities can be a safe way for people to enjoy public spaces during the pandemic. Golf courses in the Ottawa area have also gone to great lengths to introduce additional measures to ensure the safety of their guests. These include requiring golfers to remain in their vehicles until their tee time and removing the rakes from sand pits. In addition to these measures, golf courses could encourage people from the same households to play together. We are supportive of fair, reasonable, and evidence-based measures that will lead to better health outcomes. We feel that the benefits to the physical and mental health and well-being of re-opening outdoor recreational activities far outweigh the risks associated with keeping them closed. We thank you for your attention to this issue. Yours Sincerely, Councillor Diane Deans, Gloucester-Southgate Councillor Eli El-Chantiry, West Carleton-March Councillor George Darouze, Osgoode Councillor Jan Harder, Barrhaven Councillor Matthew Luloff, Orleans Councillor Mathieu Fleury, Rideau-Vanier Councillor Catherine Kitts, Cumberland Councillor Catherine McKenney, Somerset Councillor Tim Tierney, Beacon Hill-Cyrville Councillor Riley Brockington, River Councillor Laura Dudas, Innes Councillor Rawlson King, Rideau-Rockcliffe Councillor Glen Gower, Stittsville Councillor Theresa Kavanagh, Bay Councillor Jeff Leiper, Kitchissippi Councillor Rick Chiarelli, College .