LATEST: Splash pads to open this weekend in Mississauga, Brampton and across Ontario

The Ford government cooled off Friday afternoon and will now allow splash pads to open up Saturday in Mississauga, Brampton and across the province.

In a late afternoon tweet, Lisa MacLeod, Ontario’s Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Minister, announced the provincial government’s reversal.

“Recognizing that splash/spray pads, like other outdoor recreational amenities, can be safely enjoyed, we have amended the regulation to align splash pads/spray pads with other outdoor recreational amenities,” MacLeod said on Twitter.

“Splash/spray pads will be allowed to open 12:01 a.m. on May 22nd.”

Just a day after the Province announced it would be reopening golf courses, tennis courts and other outdoor amenities this long weekend, mayors across the province asked the government to allow the reopening of splash pads.

With a heat and humidity warning issued for Mississauga and Brampton today and into the weekend by Environment Canada, residents who live in a boiling condo or apartment are sure to be relieved with today’s announcement.

Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie responded to Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson’s plea for the splash pads to be open, saying she has been hearing from several residents eager to get some relief from the scorching temperatures.

“Thanks @JimWatsonOttawa for starting the (conversation) on reopening the splash pads this long (weekend),” Crombie tweeted Friday morning. “Hoping that @fordnation reconsiders. Families need this, children need it.

“Many of our residents don’t have (air conditioning) or live in apartments with no outdoor space. Let’s get this done!”

Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown also made clear his support of opening the splash pads.

“I support this push from [Jim Watson] to allow splash pads,” Brown tweeted. “With temps in the high 20s now, I hope the Province will permit splash pads to open this long weekend.

“Outdoor activities are low risk. It’s also an equity issue for families who don’t have their own backyards.”