Are you thinking of ignoring the repeated messages about social distancing and planning a long-weekend party anyway?
Unless you are hoping to have a bylaw officer or the police in attendance, a city officials says: ‘Don’t’.
“Our bylaw offiers will be working over the long weekend,” Thorold chief administrative officer Manoj Dilwaria confirms.
He says the city officers are working every day of the week and are not letting up despite the pandemic, ensuring people stay away from parks and playgrounds.
Parking enforcement has softened up a bit, although actions will still be taken against illegaly parked vehicles, Dilwaria continued.
But a new task has come to the bylaw officers work description ever since gatherings of five or more were banned by the province in an attempt to curb the pandemic.
“Our officers are currently out educating people on the new regulations, and intervening when they see people congregate,” Dilwaria said.
While he could not provide any examples of larger gatherings as of late, he said parking lots around walking trails are still a hot spot for people who are not adhering to the guideline of 6 ft or more as a base distance.
But with several religious observances coming up, stacked with a long weekend, Dilwaria says bylaw officers will be scouting for house parties or backyard bbq’s.
“If they spot a gathering they will approach and try to advise and talk to them about social distancing and the importance of staying healthy. If the individuals do not comply, they can call the police,” he said.
The province has authorized bylaw officers the option to hand out tickets for people not adhering to the rules.
The fine: $750.
The city could not confirm if any of these tickets had been handed out.
Online, some have speculated if local police are patrolling the area for foot traffic, with some claiming hearing of people being stopped and questioned on their destination, seemingly in an attempt to defer social gatherings.
A police spokesperson told Thorold News in an email that ‘no direction has been given to conduct traffic stops for the enforcement of the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act’
