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Is COVID-19 causing a rise in neighbourhood disputes?

'I think emotions are raised and elevated in situations a lot quicker than prior to COVID-19'
2015 9 21 north bay police car turl
File photo.

It appears the stress related to the multiple pandemic lockdowns is getting to residents of the city of North Bay. 

The North Bay Police Service revealed a huge increase in both harassment and neighbourhood dispute calls during the May Police Board meeting which took place at Police Headquarters last Tuesday. 

The police received a 180 per cent increase in harrassment related calls in March of 2021 compared to 2020, and a 200 per cent increase in neighbourhood disputes from March 2020 to 2021.  

"The interpersonal reactions or the reactions happening in North Bay  where there is a police intervention is escalating. I do believe a lot of it is related to COVID-19 and the restrictions that have been placed on the public in regards to mobility, access to schools, some people have lost their jobs and are without employment," admitted Scott Tod, North Bay's Police Chief.  

Tod believes the fact residents cannot go to the mall, go shopping, or going out to eat at a restaurant has all factored in on these two issues.  

"I think emotions are raised and elevated in situations a lot quicker than prior to COVID-19," admitted Tod.  

However, Tod is optimistic that those numbers will trend down once the Stay-At-Home order is lifted and more businesses and restaurants are permitted to re-open. 


Chris Dawson

About the Author: Chris Dawson

Chris Dawson has been with BayToday.ca since 2004. He has provided up-to-the-minute sports coverage and has become a key member of the BayToday news team.
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