Toronto warns of fines up to $5,000 for those ignoring closed parks

Thestar.com
March 31, 2020
Francine Kopun

People who insist on using city park amenities that have been closed to fight the COVID-19 pandemic could face fines of between $750 and $5,000, the city announced Monday.

Speaking at a press conference held daily at city hall to keep residents abreast of local developments related to the pandemic, Toronto Mayor John Tory said he was disappointed this weekend to see people climbing over fences to access facilities that were off-limits and gathering in groups in parks without maintaining the two-metre distance recommended to avoid spreading the illness that has killed 35,000 people worldwide so far.

Tory referenced pictures posted to social media over the weekend, of people crowded on beach boardwalks and in Trinity Bellwoods Park, Humberline Park and Weston Lions Park.

“We know that people love their parks; there’s lots to be said for people being able to be outside,” said Tory, adding that the decision made last week to close parks was not one he made lightly.

“We need people to respect the closures that we implemented reluctantly, to protect their own health, the health of their families and fellow citizens. To make sure people get the message, park crews were out today blitzing hot spots with Toronto Police and bylaw officers,” Tory said.

“While we always try to persuade and educate people, I am afraid the time is up for those who don’t want to listen or don’t care, and for them, we won’t hesitate to issue a minimum $750 fine and as high as $5,000 fines.”

He said barriers to parks that were torn down are being put back up, parking lots are being closed and more signs will be going up to discourage people from gathering in groups in parks and using facilities in parks, including playgrounds.

Eileen de Villa, Toronto’s medical officer of health, said there were 591 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the city as of Monday, an increase of 51 over the previous day. In all, 67 patients are in hospital and 30 are in intensive care. There have been six deaths. Twelve doctors, 13 nurses and six healthcare workers have tested positive for COVID-19, she added.

“People should not have to risk death taking care of us because others won’t practise social or physical distancing. This is simply not acceptable,” said de Villa.

She warned that more drastic measures may have to be undertaken if people continue to flout the rules. For example, she said, people could be ordered to stay at home if they have COVID-19.

Toronto Fire Chief Matthew Pegg, who is in charge of emergency operations for the city, said that the city’s municipal licensing and standards office has received 385 complaints relating to physical distancing in city parks and 197 complaints regarding businesses failing to comply with provincial orders -- the province has ordered most non-essential businesses to close.

He said Toronto Public Health visited 232 bars and restaurants that were identified as non-compliant last week, 73 of which were closed.