The City of London has a message for people and businesses that have been flouting pandemic-related restrictions - obey the rules or be fined.
The warning comes as bylaw officers issued a dozen tickets to violators over the past two weekends. One individual was fined for hosting a gathering at a home, while three others were fined for attending gatherings at two separate houses. Eight businesses were slapped with tickets for not adhering to provincial rules including curbside pick-up regulations, mask and face covering requirements, and not having a safety plan in place.
Another person played the most expensive round of golf of their life after being issued a $880 dollar fine on Wednesday for playing a round on the closed Thames Valley golf course.
“With the stay-at-home order in effect for a number of weeks now, our officers will not refrain from issuing fines where violations are observed,” said Orest Katolyk, the city's director of municipal compliance. “We are asking Londoners to please continue to follow all regulations in place. These are in place for the safety and well-being of the entire community.”
The Ontario government issued a provincewide stay-at-home order early last month. It is slated to remain in place until at least May 20. Under the order play on soccer fields, baseball diamonds, tennis and pickleball courts, basketball courts, skate parks, and golf courses is restricted. People can also not use outdoor exercise equipment or have a picnic or gathering at park shelters.
"Those who are not from the same household are required to maintain a physical distance of two metres from others using park spaces. A person living alone is permitted to socialize in-person with one other household," the city said in a statement.
Walking, running, rollerblading, and cycling through parks is allowed. As is taking a break on a park bench, as long as a two-metre distance from those outside your household is maintained. Off-leash dog parks and park washrooms are open. Masks are mandatory when using park washrooms.
"Now is not the time to take these orders lightly," the city said.