Torontonians face up to $5K fine for violating

physical distancing by-law

Torontonians face a fine of up to $5,000 if they do not adhere to

new social distancing measures announced the City on Thursday.

Mayor John Tory says a new by-law will immediately go into effect

ordering people to remain two metres apart when they are in public

parks and squares.

Tory said the by-law does not apply to people who live together as

long as they maintain their distance from others they come into

contact with.

The by-law will be in effect for at least the next 30 days.

“The time for puzzlement at this misbehaviour is over,” said Tory. “Lives

are potentially at stake and we will turn up the heat in the hopes that the

few who still don’t get it or pretend not to get it will get with the program.”

“The public has been warned many times. Now it is into the realm of

enforcement.”

Police chief Mark Saunders says up to 160 uniformed officers along with

civilian members of the service and parking enforcement officers would be

responsible for enforcement. The City says it will be bringing on board

additional by-law officers to also help with enforcement.

While the set fine is $750, Mayor Tory said he hopes anyone found violating

the by-law will be handed the full $5,000 fine.

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