Over the weekend, City of London Municipal Law Enforcement Officers issued 21 Provincial Offence Notices to individuals found breaching the closure of multi-use courts, skateboard parks and soccer fields.
Fines were issued during proactive patrolling of outdoor recreation spaces, and in response to complaints received to the COVID-19 order compliance email (COVIDOrderConcerns@london.ca) and phone number (519-661-4660) of individuals failing to comply with orders.
Under Provincial emergency orders for the closure of non-essential businesses that went into effect on March 24, the City closed all outdoor play structures including playgrounds, skate parks and multi-use courts, City sports fields, community gardens, off-leash dog parks and golf courses in an effort to help slow the spread of COVID-19.
Failing to correctly identify oneself carries a fine of $750 for failure to comply with an order made under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act or $1,000 for obstructing any person in exercising a power if a provincial offences officer issues a ticket. In addition, failure to comply with an emergency order could carry punishments of up to one-year imprisonment or a fine of up to $100,000 for an individual, $500,000 for a director of a corporation, or $10,000,000 for a corporation itself if a provincial offences officer charges the individual by issuing a summons.
“These orders are in effect to help protect the community from the spread of COVID-19,” said Chief By-Law Officer, Orest Katolyk. “We know this is a difficult time for everyone and people want to enjoy the warmer weather outdoors. Now, however is not the time to be taking these orders lightly. Now is the time for everyone to be doing everything they can to stop this virus from spreading.”
Parks, green space, trails and pathways remain open for walk-through only. For anyone who chooses to use these spaces, the City is asking for full and continued cooperation in following all of the precautions identified by the Middlesex London Health Unit including:
- Stay six feet away from each other (physical distancing)
- Avoid all non-essential gatherings of any size
- Stay home from work and other activities if you are sick
- Self-isolate if you have travelled outside of Canada
- Wash your hands with soap and water frequently (for at least 20 seconds)
- Cover coughs and sneezes with your sleeve or cough and sleeve into your elbow
- Clean and disinfect high touch areas frequently
These precautions are necessary to slow the spread of COVID-19. The Municipal Law Enforcement team will continue responding to complaints and proactively patrolling parks and other public spaces, in an effort to ensure public understanding and adherence to the closure of recreation spaces.