Sarnia's mayor says that during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic we have to put aside self-interest for community interest.
Despite some nasty emails, Mike Bradley defended his tie-breaking vote to keep city arenas closed in Monday's virtual council meeting.
Bradley cast the deciding vote on a reconsideration motion tabled by Councillor Bill Dennis calling for greater summer recreational opportunities including the opening of arenas and the provision of lifeguards.
The mayor told Sue Storr on CHOK (103.9 FM, 1070 AM) Tuesday morning that reopening arenas right now is ridiculous.
He said he's not going to take the risk of opening up and then find out that young people, coaches and city staff have been infected.
"When you look at the money that would have to be spent, the precautions especially with hockey on the distancing, and keeping those arenas clean, and then our own staff," said Bradley. "We're not there yet."
The mayor said that in July, council will look at a staged approach on local facilities, but added that athletic facilities are troublesome, as professional leagues are discovering.
"The NBA hasn't figured it out, the NHL hasn't figured it out or has Major League Baseball. In fact, Major League Baseball is a really good example, with all the precautions they've taken they've got a number of teams that are infected with COVID."
In calling for the reconsideration Monday, Councillor Dennis expressed concern about the mental health impacts, especially on youth, that the removal of recreational opportunities has had.
Mayor Bradley said there are other activities in the community.
In May, the city reopened baseball diamonds and soccer fields for casual family use but not for organized sports. Girls soccer and the Sarnia Minor Atheltic Association have cancelled their 2020 seasons.