New restrictions will take effect when Knox Mountain Drive reopens to vehicles. When the road reopens on Monday, traffic will be limited to the first alert only from noon to 8 pm each day. As part of a two-year test approved by the city council last year, vehicles will not be able to access the top of the mountain. “The new access strategy allows for a common approach between vehicles and non-vehicles to allow multiple access to the mountain,” said Melanie Steppuhn, park and landscape designer. “With this approach and the constant improvements of the park, it should be a great season.” The test took place as the number of visitors to the popular park has doubled since the appearance of COVID-19. The city says the strategy takes into account both accessibility and safety for those who use the park and the road. Officers remind visitors to all parks to respect others and keep dogs on a leash at all times unless they are in designated dog parks without a leash. It also reminds park users as the weather warms up, the risk of fire also increases, so check back regularly for provincial fire bans and regulations. Smoking, including the use of e-cigarettes and cannabis, is prohibited in all parks and beaches in the city and region.
