Update on the enforcement model in Ottawa for new orders issued by the Province of Ontario aimed at ensuring people maintain the practice of physical distancing.
On March 27, 2020, by Ministerial Order, the Province of Ontario provided municipal law enforcement officers with the ability to enforce new rules under the Ontario Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (“EMCPA”) to keep people safe and slow the spread of COVID-19.
As such, effective immediately, a dedicated team of officers at By-law and Regulatory Services will be proactively monitoring and enforcing calls related to:
- Gatherings of more than 5 people in public or private residences;
- People congregating in parks/using park facilities or equipment;
- Restaurants that continue to offer dine-in services; and,
- Non-essential retail businesses continuing to operate.
Residents who witness these issues should report them by calling 3-1-1.
By-law Officers will be taking a progressive enforcement approach; with the initial goal to educate residents and businesses about these laws and their importance to public health. As time goes on, failure to comply could result in fines under the EMCPA of up to $100,000 for individuals, $500,000 for a director of a corporation or $10 million for a corporation itself.
Quarantine Orders Enforcement
By-law and Regulatory Services continues to collaborate with the Ottawa Police Service, which will continue to enforce calls related to quarantine orders issued to individuals who have been travelling or are experiencing symptoms related to COVID-19. Complaints related to quarantine orders should be reported to the non-urgent Ottawa Police phone line at 613-236-1222 ext. 7502.
