South Simcoe police and bylaw officers in Innisfil and Bradford West Gwillimbury have been busy responding to complaints about people not adhering to physical distancing and gathering guidelines.
South Simcoe police cautioned 62 people about gatherings larger than five people in a public area during the month of May. They also responded to 15 calls where people were educated and warned about gatherings at residences. No charges have been laid.
In Innisfil, bylaw received 34 calls and issued 16 warnings about physical distancing. They also received 23 calls regarding people using public spaces when they shouldn’t (11 warnings) and 10 calls about businesses operating when they shouldn’t, with one business receiving a warning.
Bylaw also received one complaint about construction, and seven complaints about recreational accommodations, but no warnings or charges resulted.
In total, Innisfil bylaw received 77 calls and issued 28 warnings in May for complaints related to orders passed under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act.
“The community is intelligent and they get it, so we haven’t had the situation go to the extreme that warrants the heavy $750 fine that people could get,” said Barrie Vickers, Innisfil's chief building official.
The Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury received 21 complaints in the month of May, said Brent Lee, manager of enforcement.
Six complaints were made about people gathering in public places, and they were all resolved through education. Fifteen complaints were made about people gathering on property.
Lee said there has been one charge issued to date to a business that continued to operate contrary to the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act.
“Generally speaking, residents of Bradford West Gwillimbury have been receptive to these public health measures and have been co-operating with town staff,” he said.
Shane MacDonald, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Barrie Advance
— With files from Laura Broadley
