A city councillor is hoping to help people beat the heat in local parks.
Coun. Mason Ainsworth introduced a motion during Monday’s council committee meeting, asking staff to look into amending a bylaw to allow people to use shade structures in parks, including at beach areas.
He said he had been contacted by a few people this summer who were concerned about not being able to bring shade structures to protect them from the sun.
He noted some people are more sensitive to the sun than others.
The structures were banned as part of the city’s efforts to discourage large groups from congregating in parks during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Shade structures got lumped in with that discussion,” Ainsworth said.
Tents would still not be allowed, he said, but added items such as large umbrellas or structures with no walls could be permitted.
Staff will report back on the matter at a later date.
