We will enforce the stay-at-home order says North Bay police chief

North Bay Police Chief Scot Tod says his officers will enforce the stay-at-home order, under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act and the Reopening Ontario Act.

Officers can disperse gatherings and ticket individuals found to be non-compliant, resulting in a $750 fine.

“Our hope is that the residents of North Bay and Callander will continue to voluntarily follow the public health guidelines,” said Tod. “I know there has been a concern in our community about these new regulations, but I want everyone to know that, when it comes to public health laws, our goal is first to engage, educate, and explain the purpose of these rules so that we can all do our part and keep our community safe. Enforcement is a last resort that we will use if public safety is being put at risk and we cannot achieve voluntary compliance.”

The Police Service has come under criticism for not issuing tickets to Freedom Rally participants at the waterfront.

"The North Bay Police Service is advising the public to follow public health guidelines as the provincial government has announced additional, enhanced measures intended to stop the spread of COVID-19 in Ontario," says a release. "The NBPS will continue to be complaints-driven when enforcing the stay-at-home order, while also focusing enforcement efforts on non-compliant businesses and gatherings," the release warns.

Police confirmed they will not be conducting arbitrary vehicle or individual stops or entering dwellings for the singular purpose of checking compliance with the stay-at-home order. "Individuals travelling to and from their place of employment will not be expected to provide proof of essential work," the release continues.

Meanwhile, OPP officers "will enforce the Stay-at-Home Order, under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act, and the Reopening Ontario Act by focusing on non-compliance in businesses and restaurants, complaints from the public and unlawful public gatherings. Officers can disperse and ticket individuals found to be non-compliant resulting in a $750 fine," an OPP release stated.  

The new emergency orders mean that:

• Outdoor events and gatherings are now prohibited unless all parties are from the same household or one other person from outside the household who lives alone or is a caregiver for any member of the household.
• All retail stores that are permitted to open must limit capacity to 25 per cent.
• The following outdoor recreational amenities will be closed:
  • All outdoor sports facilities and multi-use fields including:
    • Baseball diamonds,
    • Soccer fields,
    • Frisbee golf locations,
    • Tennis, platform tennis, table tennis, pickleball courts,
    • Basketball courts,
    • BMX parks, and
    • Skate parks
  • All portions of park and recreation areas containing outdoor fitness equipment
  • All picnic sites and picnic tables in park and recreation areas
• Children’s playgrounds may stay open and be used by the public

The Declaration of Emergency and Stay-at-Home Order have been in effect across Ontario since April 8. The Stay-at-Home Order means that individuals should only leave their home for necessities.

• In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Provincial Government has put rules in place that require you to identify yourself to law enforcement if police believe you are not following the emergency rules. When asked to identify yourself, you must provide your:
  • Correct name
  • Date of birth
  • Address

If you refuse to identify yourself to a police officer, you can be charged with Obstructing Police.