After opening two weeks ago in defiance of provinvial shutdown orders, the Bridges at Tillsonburg is now temporarily shutting down. Calling it ‘an opening in protest’ the owners advised on their website, “we look forward to opening again soon to continue to play golf safely.”
Over the two-week period, the course was charged by Oxford OPP with two counts of failing to comply with the Reopening Ontario Act. The case will be dealt with June 3 in Woodstock court. In addition, at least two dozen golfers also faced charges.
The notice on the course website states, “The opening was not about making money. It was in protest of unreasonable measures. To demonstrate this, we are donating all the profits from the course opening to organizations who represent those who have been adversely affected by the lockdowns.”
Here is the full release from the golf course:
May 5, 2021. The Bridges at Tillsonburg would like to thank the hundreds of golfers and citizens who have supported us during our ‘opening in protest’ of the lockdown measures taken against 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. The opening was not about making money.
It was in protest of unreasonable measures. To demonstrate this, we are donating all the profits from the course opening to organizations who represent those who have been adversely affected by the lockdowns. Including the Tillsonburg Helping Hand Food Bank, Domestic Abuse Service Oxford (DASO), and Wellkin (Child & Youth Mental Wellness).
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.
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 to play golf safely.
