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Fans of Hamilton Conservation Authority waterfalls and trails can no longer escape to their natural splendour during the COVID-19 crisis.

The HCA is closing them to the public as of Wednesday following the province's direction to cease non-essential business operations.

"I feel horrible about it, but I know it's the right thing to do, too," said Coun. Lloyd Ferguson, chair of the HCA board.

The closure of all parks — including popular waterfalls Webster's, Tew's and Sherman, and Dundas Peak — also applies to pass holders until further notice. Anyone who enters will be considered a trespasser, and the city will enforce illegal parking on roads around the parks.

This past sunny weekend, "huge crowds" flocked to the HCA's waterfalls despite public advisories to maintain physical distances to prevent spread of the virus, Ferguson said. "They're hanging around in packs ... and, of course, they're all touching the handrails."

He said the province's directive to close all non-essential operations was "the straw that broke the camel's back."

Conservation areas provide roughly $5 million to the HCA's operating budget, chief administrative officer Lisa Burnside said. "It's hard to say what the impact will be at this time and fortunately, we are still early in the year and full programs and services such as camping and events are not underway."

Ironically, late last year, conservation authorities pushed back against a provincial call for them to wind down services, such as recreation programs, that weren't considered "core" to their mandate.

Ferguson said the HCA can draw on its operations reserve if need be. Office staff are working from home; rangers are still in parks; construction crews remain on the job.

Residents cooped up inside during the outbreak can still get fresh air by visiting city parks. But city officials warned Monday to stay off playgrounds and practise "physical distancing."

Ferguson made a special plea for the public to refrain from parking illegally on roads around waterfalls. Parking officers were yelled at this past weekend for enforcing the bylaw. "One was even spit at."

The HCA also operates Wild Waterworks in Confederation Park. Ferguson said he hopes its season doesn't end up a bust, noting many businesses are entering rough waters. "We have to set that aside right now until we can sort this darn thing out and get right of it."

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