Skip to content

Social distancing displays in east end marred by bylaw calls

‘This path is a perfect example of how a community comes together,’ says local mom
2020-04-13 Beaulieu JO-001
From left are Jaxon, Alexia Riesgo, Jay, Jett and Jackie Beaulieu with the social distancing display they made for Easter. Contributed image

Fun for the family, or bylaw breach?

Jackie Beaulieu and her family have made about six different social distancing displays on the walking trails off Consort Drive that are still open in Barrie’s east end, with two more planned in the coming days and weeks.

However, calls to the city's bylaw department have raised questions about whether these types of displays, while well-intentioned, could be dangerous as more information comes to light about COVID-19 and how it's spreading through communities.

“It started out because everything was closed for the kids,” Beaulieu told BarrieToday. “We go out for walks two to three times a day. I was just going to do it for my kids, but I thought we could make it a bit bigger so it could be for the whole community.”

The displays are not meant to be touched. Each display had an initial sign outlining the theme, and then staked drawn pictures for trail walkers to count.

Themes over the past couple of weeks have included a Prince William Way Animal Hunt, where families searched for pictures of animals along the trail, and The Sandringham Gym, where walkers could stop at stations along the way and complete challenges like lunges, jumping jacks and squats.

“Bylaw (enforcement) ended up taking the gym down,” Beaulieu said with a laugh. “Bylaw has given us a little bit of kickback because there was a complaint.”

Beaulieu said some city councillors, including Ward 10 Coun. Mike McCann, have helped her work with bylaw to determine the issues with the displays, which Beaulieu says she has taken into account when creating new displays for the trail.

“To date, they haven’t found any official infractions,” said Beaulieu, adding that part of the displays include tape-off lines to ensure participants are practising physical distancing.

McCann said that while some decisions made by governments may seem unfair and unrealistic, they are trying to mitigate the uncharted waters of a global pandemic.

“What Jackie Beaulieu did out of her big heart and her own money brought so much joy and laughter to many families. Was this a good idea? Absolutely,” the councillor said. “Although, we are currently in a pandemic and the game has changed.

"Unfortunately, this activity could make it difficult to abide by the social distancing measures that are in place," McCann added. 

Despite some curves in the trail, Beaulieu said she was stunned when she discovered an anonymous donor had started a GoFundMe campaign to raise money to pay for future displays. Home Depot also donated some wood for stakes.

“My husband and I are both very lucky that we still have our jobs right now, so we decided to donate any money that is raised to RVH (Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre) to help support the front-line workers with proper PPE,” Beaulieu said of personal protective equipment. 

So far, the fund has raised approximately $320.

“There’s a need for it. Why not help out? We’re trying to do our part as a community. If any of us gets sick, where are we going? The hospital. It’s keeping us safe. It’s keeping them safe. It’s needed,” she said.

Overall, Beaulieu said the messages of positivity from her community have inspired her to continue making the displays.

"This path is a perfect example of how a community comes together. We can't thank our little neighbourhood enough for all their love, support and kind words,” she said. “It what keeps us wanting to make more displays! From the bottom of our hearts... thank you!"


Reader Feedback

Jessica Owen

About the Author: Jessica Owen

Jessica Owen is an experienced journalist working for Village Media since 2018, primarily covering Collingwood and education.
Read more