Gates are in the process of being installed at the two gravel parking lots on York Street, outside of Bell Park, to limit access during the winter months.
They’ve sparked curiosity online, particularly among the so-called Freedom Convoy movement, since the group meets at the parking lot every weekend to wave Canadian flags and signs.
Sudbury.com connected with city Leisure Services director Jeff Pafford for clarification on why the gates are being installed.
The gates have been installed to limit access during the winter months, he explained, noting the city’s approved service level is to have one of the parking lots partially open in the winter.
The gates are similar to those installed throughout the municipality, including at the nearby parking lot outside of old St. Joseph Hospital building, which is similarly closed during the winter.
They will be opened in the spring, when service levels dictate the parking lots are both in service.
They will also be opened up for major events this weekend which require parking.
Part of the rationale for installing the gates has been “unauthorized use.”
“We’ve actually had vehicles plowing unauthorized on lots we don’t normally maintain,” he said.
“I don’t really understand the rationale for it,” he added, noting that it was reported to his department and he doesn’t have any additional context.
The city has no intention of using the gates “in any manner that negatively impacts park users,” the city wrote in emailed correspondence to Sudbury.com.
