Sarnia's police chief warns people will be charged and fined for not complying with pandemic control orders.
Norm Hansen told Sue Storr on CHOK (103.9 FM, 1070 AM) Thursday morning that since the province's state of emergency declaration last month, the emphasis locally has been on education.
"Straight away we had some officers sent out to speak to businesses that weren't closing, in the meantime, bylaw officers have been really helpful in Sarnia here with us," said Hansen. "They've been doing the education and warning portion of things with people, which is ramping up. When it comes to charges, they're allowed to charge, people should know that. Bylaw officers are provincial officers for this particular type of offence, and our officers will end up laying tickets too."
Hansen said failing to comply with any of Ontario’s emergency orders could carry a $750 fine and a surcharge for a total penalty of $900 or more.
Armour stone reinforced waterfront barricade near water treatment plant Apr. 2, 2020 Photo courtesy of Greg Grimes
"Under the Emergency Measures Act it's simply disobeying an order is basically what you consider the charge. We already had people move barricades that are leading into the water treatment plant in Point Edward, the waterfront area there. And if you're found doing that, you'll be charged. If you're found going around the barricades when it says it's closed you'll be charged. There's no other way around it," he said.
Earlier this week, the Ford government announced that anyone charged under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act is required by law to provide their identity to officers.
The City of Sarnia has established an information hotline through which citizens can report violations of pandemic control orders.
For the most part, though, Chief Hansen said businesses and residents have been doing what they're told, to try to control the spread of COVID-19.
-With files from Sue Storr