TOWN OF NEWMARKET
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On March 27, the Province of Ontario granted Municipal Bylaw Enforcement Officers the ability to issue fines under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (EMCPA) in an effort to limit the spread of COVID-19.
With the Province’s guidance, the Town of Newmarket will begin to issue fines to individuals who fail to comply with the following emergency orders:
- Social gatherings of more than five (5) people
- Trespassing outdoor recreational areas that are closed to the public (playgrounds, tennis courts, basketball courts, baseball diamonds, sport fields and baseball diamonds etc.)
- Closure of non-essential businesses
- Price gouging on necessary goods such as disinfectant products
Newmarket’s Municipal Bylaw Enforcement Officers will be deployed in full force beginning this weekend to ensure the community complies with these emergency orders.
Individuals who are charged with an offence under the EMCPA will be required to identify themselves if asked by a Municipal Bylaw Enforcement Officer. Failing to do so can carry a fine of $1,000 for obstructing a Municipal Bylaw Enforcement Officer.
In addition, failure to comply with an Emergency Order carries a starting fine of $750 or could also carry punishments of up to one-year imprisonment or a fine of up to $100,000 for an individual. These penalties will apply in addition to breaching other Emergency Orders.
Practice Physical and Social Distancing
Newmarket reminds residents to practice safe social and physical distancing. Stay home, save lives and help flatten the curve against COVID-19. Social and physical distancing means:
- Limiting the number of people you come in close contact with (Province of Ontario prohibits gatherings of more than five people. This rule does not apply to private households of more than five people and other strict exceptions)
- No physical gatherings, parties, going to the playground or playdates with other children, or meeting friends for a gathering.
- Limiting your trips outdoors to essentials only (groceries, work etc.)
- If you must go outside, practice safe social and physical distancing. Stay at least 6ft (1.8m apart) from other people.
For more information and updates, visit newmarket.ca/covid19 or follow us on social media @TownofNewmarket on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
For more information on COVID-19, visit York Region Public Health’s website at York.ca/covid19 or the Province of Ontario’s website at ontario.ca/coronavirus.
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