Town ready to issue fines for not complying with emergency orders

Aurora will begin strict enforcement of provincial emergency orders and trespassing of municipal closures this weekend.

On March 27, the Province of Ontario granted Municipal Bylaw Enforcement Officers the ability to issue fines under the Emergency and Civil Protection Act (EMCPA) in an effort to flatten the COVID-19 curve.

Under the provincial guidelines, the Town of Aurora will begin to issue fines to individuals who do not comply with the following emergency orders:

• No gatherings of more than five (5) people (inclusive of gatherings on private property but excluding family members who reside at the same address).

• Trespassing in areas that are closed to the public (parks, tennis courts, skateboard parks, sports fields, baseball diamonds, basketball courts, playgrounds, Sheppard's Bush and the dog park).

• Closure of non-essential businesses

• Price gouging on necessary goods such as hand sanitizers and household cleaners

Individuals charged with an offence under the EMCPA will face fines starting at $880. Failing to identify yourself upon the request of a Municipal Law Enforcement Officer conducting an investigation under the EMCPA will result in fines of $1,250. Fines could also carry punishments of up to one-year imprisonment or a fine of up to $100,000 for an individual and up to $10,000,000 for a corporation.

“The Town of Aurora reminds residents to continue to stay at home, limit the number of people you come into close contact with, stay at least 6 feet apart from others when walking outside or in a grocery store and refrain from having social gatherings.”