The Woodstock Police Service in partnership with Woodstock City Bylaw Enforcement Officers will be enforcing the Ontario Government’s Provincial Closure orders under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (EMCPA) which prohibits anyone from attending:

  • An organized public event of more than five (5) people, including a parade
  • A social gathering of more than five (5) people
  • A gathering of more than five (5) people for the purposes of conducting religious services or ceremonies.

Please note, these prohibitions include gatherings or events held in private dwellings. Exemptions where these orders do not apply include gatherings of; members of a single household, a funeral service with no more than 10 people in attendance, inside of an essential business establishment, and emergency child care centres supporting frontline health care workers and first responders.

For more information on the emergency orders, please visit: www.ontario.ca/laws/regulations/200052

Additionally, Ontario Government Emergency Orders include closures of recreational facilities, playgrounds, picnic areas, basketball courts and dog parks. The fines for individuals who disobey Emergency Orders range from $750 up to $100,000 and one year imprisonment. Fines of up to $10,000,000 apply to non-essential corporations disobeying the emergency closure orders.

The Emergency Orders require individuals being charged with an offence under the EMCPA to identify themselves to police officers, special constables and city by-law enforcement officers. Failing to identify oneself carries a fine of $750 for failure to comply under the EMCPA or $1,000 for obstructing a person in exercising a duty.

The Woodstock Police Service and City of Woodstock take these emergency orders very seriously and will be actively enforcing the strict legislation under the EMCPA.

If you witness a noncompliant business that is deemed non-essential or any activity at City Parks or recreational facilities in violation of Provincial Closure Orders, please call the Woodstock Police Service at (519) 537-2323 DO NOT CALL 911 For additional information and updates www.cityofwoodstock.ca/covid-19 Facebook and Twitter.

The WOODSTOCK POLICE SERVICE would like to encourage anyone having information about these investigations or any other investigations, to contact the WOODSTOCK POLICE SERVICE at 519-537-2323 or Crime Stoppers 421TIPS (8477) or toll free at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

Filed under: covid 19, woodstock police