Three COVID-19-related provincial offences have been levied this weekend - so far - as the city attempts to crack down on large groups of people congregating at local beaches.
There was also a $750 ticket handed out on Canada Day.
“This is the third weekend in a row where it’s been an issue,” said Orillia Mayor Steve Clarke.
Since the global pandemic began in March, various guidelines have been put in place by provincial health authorities to slow the spread of the deadly coronavirus. The measures have been largely effective.
In recent weeks, however, the province has begun to loosen restrictions and reopen the economy. As a result, public gatherings of up to 10 people are now permitted.
However, there were many much larger groups of people at both Moose Beach and Couchiching Beach Park last weekend, on Canada Day and this weekend.
As a result, the city had a special council meeting Thursday in which they agreed to bring in measures to control the crowds.
Starting next weekend, visitors will have to pay $50 to park and $50 to launch their boats.
In addition, visitor parking will be restricted to designated lots at both beaches and downtown parking will only be allowed for two hours - not the five-hour limit that previously existed.
But the mayor stressed it takes time, logistically, to put such policies in place.
As a result of that and the extended heat wave, beaches have been packed.
Clarke said the city’s four full-time bylaw enforcement officers have been working hard to educate the public about the rules.
“All along, we’re really trying to educate, educate ... look for compliance, warn where necessary and ticket only if absolutely necessary,” Clarke told OrilliaMatters Sunday.
He noted from mid-March to a couple of weeks ago, the city had issued just one COVID-related Provincial Offence notice. That offence has a set fine of $750, but with surcharges and fees, a violator has to pay almost $880 total.
“This week alone we’ve issued four tickets - one on Canada Day, one on Friday and two Saturday,” said the mayor.
In one of the instances Saturday, bylaw officers had to call in the OPP to assist.
“(Bylaw officers) are wonderful at de-escalation, but things can escalate quickly,” said the mayor, noting the Orillia OPP have also stepped up enforcement in recent days.
Clarke said, “particularly starting on Canada Day,” the OPP have added foot, bike and marine patrols to local parks.
The mayor said he has witnessed the issue first-hand. He makes a point of riding his bike or driving through the parks as often as possible.
On Saturday, he came across a group of about 20 people.
“I had a chat with them. I welcomed them to Orillia, but told them that in the middle of a pandemic, behaviour has to change,” said Clarke. “I told them we’re into a period of zero tolerance.”
He said they were grateful for the information.
“What I generally see is wonderful behaviour, but we are overwhelmed by numbers which makes enforcement tough and we have people who just, for whatever reason, aren’t complying,” said Clarke.
“I don’t know how anybody in the province cannot be aware of or understand the regulations,” he added.
The mayor said the city’s four full-time bylaw officers are out patrolling the beaches and boat launches again today.
He believes the measures coming into effect next Thursday will be effective.
Clarke said it appears the former Ossawippi lot will be designated for visitor parking as of next Thursday for those coming from out of town to enjoy Couchiching Beach. Similarly, it’s expected the lot near the Jerry Udell baseball diamond will be designated as visitor parking at Tudhope Park.
City of Orillia residents will be able to pick up their free parking passes this week. Specific dates and times and locations will be released soon.
The mayor said if the lots for residents fill up, they will be permitted to use the visitor lots. That will mean “very limited” parking for visitors.
“We’ll see what happens next weekend,” said the mayor.
He said it’s possible other measures could be implemented in the future. He noted, for example, that Innisfil has banned people from being on the beach - other than to enter and leave the water.
“Our No. 1 priority is the health and safety of our residents,” stressed Clarke.
He conceded the situation has put “tremendous stress” on bylaw officers, who have been working diligently to monitor parks, beaches and boat ramps and to ensure businesses are complying with provincial regulations.
“They have done a fantastic job,” said the mayor. “But they’re stretched thin.”
As a result, the city is looking to hire another bylaw officer as soon as possible and other city staff have been “redeployed” to help.
Clarke said it’s an odd situation for the self-proclaimed Sunshine City.
“We usually love visitors, but we can’t show them love right now,” he said.
