Journal Staff
Sarnia bylaw enforcement officers laid multiple charges for an alleged breach of the pandemic Reopening Ontario Act at an outdoor event on Jan. 30.
“The charges are linked to individuals who attended multiple outdoor organized public events in contravention of the gathering limits,” said bylaw enforcement manager Adam MacDonald.
MacDonald wouldn’t provide specifics about the incident, which occurred on Quinn Drive, but said groups of individuals exceeding the five-person outdoor gathering limit each face fines of $880.
Since the pandemic arrived almost a year ago Sarnia has laid seven charges under the Emergency Management Civil Protection Act or the Reopening Ontario Act.
During that time 1,676 complaints have been received, and many were investigated right away, MacDonald said.
The bylaw department’s six full-time and two part-time officers respond to complaints during regular business hours and Sarnia Police take over at night, he said.
“The workload is definitely increased from what it would normally be.”