A golf course in Tillsonburg that faced charges for opening during provincial lockdown orders has temporarily closed its doors.
A note on the golf course’s website expresses gratitude to “the hundreds of golfers and citizens who supported them during their ‘opening in protest’ of the lockdown measures taken against golf courses.”
The course opened on the weekend of April 24-25, and tee times were quickly filled up.
Earlier this week, OPP reported that 19 patrons received charges at the golf club over the past weekend.
The Bridges was charged with two counts of failing to comply with the Reopening Ontario Act. The golf course had already been charged with a similar infraction on Thursday.
The message on the course’s website criticizes the government’s choice to close golf courses: “The government has overstepped with its arbitrary and illogical closing of golf courses. Golf is safe. There is overwhelming evidence from the medical community that outdoor activities including golf when conducted with proper protocols are safe but also essential for physical and mental well-being.”
While the exact amount will be decided in court, the course could face a maximum fine of $10 million if found guilty. Individuals violating Ontario’s lockdown rules might receive fines up to $750.
The course stated it plans to donate all profits made during its reopening to organizations negatively impacted by the lockdown, naming Tillsonburg Helping Hand Food Bank, Domestic Abuse Services Oxford (DASO), and Wellkin (Child & Youth Mental Wellness) as beneficiaries.
“Despite strong local support and support throughout the province, the enforcement by the provincial government has been overbearing. The threats and fines have adversely affected our ability to continue playing golf safely. As such, we are no longer able to bring awareness to the benefits of outdoor activities by continuing to remain open.”
The ownership group encouraged members to reach out to provincial politicians. “We encourage the government to reconsider this punitive closure – the only one in North America. We encourage you to call your MPP to tell them to let golf reopen and we look forward to opening again soon to continue playing golf safely.”
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