Toronto Is Ready To Crack Down On Businesses That Plan To Illegally Reopen This Week

City authorities say that they are ready to respond to any Toronto businesses that plan to open illegally this week.

On Monday, Toronto Fire Chief Matthew Pegg confirmed these businesses that reopen in defiance of provincial orders will be met with enforcement.

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We are aware of a small number of businesses that have indicated their intent to reopen this Thursday. Chief Matthew Pegg

"The city’s integrated enforcement team including Municipal Licensing and Standards, Toronto Public Health and Toronto police officers are actively monitoring this situation and are prepared to respond as required," said Pegg.

"We will take appropriate enforcement action against any business that operates in contravention of the regulations governing the operation of non-essential businesses as we have done throughout the pandemic."

According to reports by The Toronto Star, a group called “We Are All Essential” is encouraging businesses to reopen their doors nationwide come February 11.

The group is led by Vladislav Sobolev, a supporter of Adamson Barbecue owner Adam Skelly and the founder of Hugs Over Masks, says the Star.

On Monday, Premier Ford announced that Toronto's stay-at-home order will be lifted on February 22, alongside Peel and York Region.

The province is returning to an enhanced version of its colour-coded framework, which allows retailers to open at a reduced capacity even in the grey lockdown zone.