It is serious. Oakville Mayor Rob Burton signed a new COVID-19 bylaw on Friday, April 3, 2020, effective immediately. Indeed, it could slap a hefty fine of up to $100,000 on individuals who do not follow the social distancing guidelines. Here is what the bylaw said, and why it matters for families across Halton and Mississauga.
I wrote this post just after the bylaw took effect in April 2020. It describes an emergency measure from that time.
What the Oakville COVID-19 bylaw said
The article on InsideHalton.com says:
Congregating in an Oakville park or sports field during the coronavirus pandemic could now cost residents up to $100,000.
Oakville Mayor Rob Burton signed a new bylaw on Friday, April 3 in order to enforce physical distancing at public places and at businesses operating within the Town of Oakville.
Individuals not adhering to the physical distancing regulation can now be fined a minimum of $750 and a maximum of up to $100,000 for each offence or issued an administrative penalty of $300.
Town staff say the fines get larger if the offences are repeated.
The bylaw takes effect immediately.
In short, the Town wanted people to stay apart during COVID-19. It also gave itself the power to back that up. Specifically, the rule covered parks and sports fields. It also covered businesses that were still open. So, a simple game of pickup soccer could now lead to a fine. Later that year, meanwhile, the province set out its own staged approach in Ontario’s three-phased opening plan.
Why distancing mattered during COVID-19
Multiple health authorities at the regional, provincial and federal level have called on the public to stay home as much as possible and keep at least two-metres apart when they do go out to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
The Town has closed all its facilities, however, Burton said groups of people are still regularly being seen in parks, sports fields and other closed outdoor areas.
So, the concern was simple. Crowds help a virus spread, because COVID-19 passes easily between people who are close together. As a result, keeping space between people lowers that risk for everyone. That includes seniors and people who are already sick. Of course, staying apart was hard. Naturally, people missed friends, family and team sports. However, most people did their part, and therefore that made a real difference.
Why the Mayor acted
“The councillors and I have received a constant stream of complaints from the public about the large number of people who are flouting the physical distancing guidelines and regulations,” said Burton.
“People who are not observing the physical distancing are prolonging and increasing the problem. We must get them to pay attention to this and behave correctly.”
Burton said Premier Doug Ford’s announcement that the coronavirus pandemic could have resulted in as many as 100,000 deaths in Ontario (had early measures like physical distancing not been introduced), drove him to act.
In other words, the goal was better behaviour. In particular, the Mayor wanted people to pay attention. As a result, those fines gave the message teeth. The message during COVID-19 was clear: stay home when you can, and keep your distance when you go out. For the latest rules in the province, visit the Ontario government website.
Read the full COVID-19 coverage
For full coverage, see the link below.
The article gives more detail on how the Town planned to enforce the rule. Moreover, it is short and easy to read. It is also a useful record of how quickly local rules changed in the first weeks of COVID-19.
What families in Mississauga can take from it
Oakville is our neighbour, and many Mississauga families shop, work and play there. So, rules like this touched people on both sides of the border between Peel and Halton. At the same time, the lesson reached far beyond one town. During COVID-19, small daily choices added up to a big impact on public health.
For many households, that meant more time at home than ever before. Consequently, some found their home felt too small. Meanwhile, others found they loved their yard more than ever. In fact, homes became offices, classrooms and playgrounds at once. That time taught us a lot about what we need from a home. For instance, some want more space, while others want a yard. Above all, many just want a quiet room to work. For a personal view from that time, read CNN anchor Chris Cuomo’s account of his illness. You can also see how to apply for federal relief from that period.
Talk to a Mississauga real estate agent
Do you have questions about your home, your family’s plans, or buying or selling in Mississauga or Oakville? I am happy to help, so please reach out through my contact page or call 416 908 5600. A. Q. Mufti, Sales Representative, RE/MAX Real Estate Centre Inc., Brokerage.
