Newmarket bylaw officers issue fine to enforce COVID-19 isolation rules

Beefed up team of officers on patrol, lays 1st charge

Yorkregion.com
April 7, 2020
John Cudmore

Newmarket bylaw officers issued a ticket April 4 to enforce rules in place to slow the spread of COVID-19.

The incident involved an unco-operative man at a house party April 4. After being approached by bylaw officers, the man refused to identify himself to them. York Regional Police were called to intervene.

The subject faces a potential $750 fine for contravening the law against gatherings of more than five people and, potentially, an additional $1,000 for refusing to provide his identity.

"There is the one charge pending later this week," confirmed Flynn Scott, the Newmarket’s manager of regulatory services. "It was based on a complaint from someone not at that address."

Two similar complaints were received, but did not require further action, he said.

Under powers granted by the provincial government, municipal bylaw officers can issue fines under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act.

Scott said the municipality engaged nine bylaw officers during the weekend. Typically, two bylaw officers would be on patrol during a weekend.

"We’re pushing them and park staff to be park and bylaw ambassadors for now," he said. "The education component is working. The groups break up immediately. I’m surprised to see how compliant people are."

The municipality’s bylaw officers executed 138 proactive park patrols from Thursday through Sunday. A total of 15 interactions with groups exceeding five people were resolved without incident, he said.

Starting April 6, bylaw officers are equipped with megaphones to help communicate their message while maintaining a safe distance from potential gatherings.

Meanwhile, Lisa Lyons, the town’s director of legislative services, said the trails system remains open as of April 6. There have been mixed messages on social media about the availability of trails in recent days.

"We’re taking our cue on a daily basis," she said. "It’s a balancing act to keep health and well-being in mind in the community. People need a places to go for exercise, but proper distancing needs to be adhered to."

People are permitted to use green space, but advised to be wary of numbers and distancing.