With Parksville under Stage 4 watering restrictions, some residents are wondering why the city continues to use spinklers to water areas like the Parksville Community Park.
Janice Holden was surprised to see city sprinklers going full blast in the early morning, one day after a comprehensive watering ban was put into place, July 5.
“I don’t understand why because I don’t think anyone cares that the park looks a little brown,” she said.
Stage 4 restrictions include a ban on all lawn watering activities, as well as washing vehicles, boats or siding, nor fill fountains, pools or hot tubs.
When Holden inquired with the city’s bylaw department, she was told city parks, playgrounds and playing fields are exempt from the restriction to avoid damage to infrastructure.
The City of Parksville confirmed city assets like the arboretum and sports fields in the Parksville Community Park are irreplaceable or could well cost millions to replace.
Schedule B of Bylaw No. 1320 outlines exemptions to a watering ban including sports fields, open spaces and city parks.
READ MORE: Parksville moves to Stage 4 water restrictions, comprehensive watering ban
Other areas like the community park kite field and Parksville Outdoor Theatre may be watered if the city believes it could be damaged because of high foot traffic. The city said it uses non-potable water for purposes such as street sweeping and watering planters, hanging baskets and young trees.
Limited watering is also happening in places such as the Springwood off leash park for sanitary reasons.
The city is working on a list of where it is watering, why and where significantly less water than normal is being used.
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