Dauphin City Council will convene virtually on Monday night — and councillors will have plenty of discussions around the easing COVID restrictions.

One item on the agenda is a recommendation from Dauphin Recreation Services (DRS) to reopen the following playgrounds beginning June 1st:

• Vermillion Park Playground
• Kerr Avenue Playground (East end of Kerr Avenue)
• Kirby Park (Corner of Kirby Avenue W and Hedderly Street)
• Kinette Park (Corner of 5th Avenue SW and 2nd Street SW)
• McDonald’s Playground (Parkland Recreation Complex 200 1st st.SE)
• Park Crescent Playground
• West End Playground (Corner of Railway Avenue and William Street)
• D-Town Plaza Skate Park

Under the directive of Public Health, Council decided on April 6 to close DRS playgrounds to help slow the spread of COVID-19.

As the province gradually eases restrictions during the reopening of Manitoba’s economy, the City of Dauphin will have to make some decisions on how to respond.

With Phase Two of reopening around the corner — and in light of the province allowing larger gatherings of people — the City of Dauphin seems like it will keep facilities operating as-is for now. That means City Hall is open for payments and other meetings by appointment, the Shop and Water Treatment Plant remains closed to the public; and the Fire Hall is open.

Council will also discuss what their meetings will look like going forward — and whether or not they'll continue with virtual meetings, or possibly return to in-person sittings sometime in the near future.