6 Random Things You Can Now Get Fined For Under Ontario’s Social Distancing Rules
Next time you leave your house to get some fresh air, you might not want to take a break on a nearby park bench. As the province continues its lockdown, multiple rules and fines have been put in place to encourage residents to stay indoors. Ontario's social distancing rules will actually fine residents for the most random things.
As Ontario extends its state of emergency until mid-May, police continue to patrol the streets to ensure that residents are keeping their distance and not using closed amenities.
Over the past few weeks, the City of Toronto has been enforcing multiple ticketing blitzes in an effort to discourage residents from gathering outside to enjoy the nice weather.
In fact, Toronto has received hundreds of social distancing complaints over the past few weeks and continue to hand out tickets to those who aren't following the rules.
Mayor John Tory weighed in on the issue on Thursday morning, stating that the city is doing everything within its power to ensure citizens are doing their part to curb the spread of the virus.
"I continue to meet daily with our City division heads and members of Toronto Public Health to ensure that we are doing everything we can as a municipal government to confront COVID-19 with the focus being on protecting the health of our city and saving as many lives as possible," Tory tweeted.
To help you avoid a hefty fine during these trying times, we've created a list of some random things you can get charged for during the provincial lockdown.
Sitting On A Park Bench
City spokeswoman Tammy Robbinson told The Globe and Mail on Wednesday that Torontonians caught sitting on park benches for too long could face a fine of up to $750.
Stopping To Talk To Your Neighbour
Mayor Tory laid down the law on social distancing back in March telling people not to stop and talk to their neighbours if they pass them on the sidewalk.
Torontonians can be charged up to $1,000 for standing too close to each other.
Loitering In Yonge-Dundas Square
If you're someone who loves visiting Yonge-Dundas Square, you might want to avoid it during the lockdown.
You can be ticketed if police catch you hanging out in the popular tourist attraction for a long period of time without keeping your distance, according to an excerpt from Toronto's new bylaws about the public space.
Playing Outdoor Sports
Planning on playing some cricket or basketball with your friends? You might want to think again.
A group from Brampton got fined $880 each after they were spotted playing cricket together in one of the city's fields.
Having A BBQ
In Ontario, any temperature above freezing is considered barbeque weather. However, getting your friends together for a backyard party during lockdown is a big mistake.
A Brampton man learned that the hard way and is now facing charges of up to $100,000.
Having A Campfire
Yes, even roasting some marshmallows over a campfire can get you in trouble these days.
The Ontario government announced on April 2 that the province would be restricting fires in certain regions until further notice.
You can be fined up to $25,000 for starting a fire in a restricted zone and face up to three months in jail.
