Citizens have called the city’s COVID-19 hotline hundreds of times since it went live on April 15.
There have been more than 120 complaints logged and more than 50 additional inquiries made about various issues.
And while there has not been a single charge laid under the city’s emergency measures bylaw or the province’s emergency measures, local municipal law enforcement officers have issued more than 250 warnings.
“Our (bylaw enforcement officers) are working seven days a week and the (emergency management committee) reviews their reports on a daily basis,” said Jennifer Ruff, the city’s director of business development and communications.
“So far, we have had a relatively good level of compliance. The city’s approach to enforcement continues to be education first, followed by warnings, and if necessary we will lay charges,” said Ruff.
To date, she confirmed the municipality has not issued any charges under the city’s emergency measures bylaw enacted by council.
“That being said, our officers are doing a fantastic job and have been very busy and our COVID-19 Enforcement Hotline is being used a lot,” she said.
Here are the statistics compiled since April 15, when the hotline was established.
The city has received 129 complaints. They were related to:
- Social gatherings 37
- Physical distancing 26
- Park amenities 7
- Essential businesses 47
- Other 12
Since April 15, the city has also received 50 inquiries related to:
- Social gatherings 3
- Physical distancing 4
- Park amenities 5
- Essential businesses 34
- Other 4
Since April 15, municipal bylaw officers have issued 259 warnings. They have been related to:
- Social gatherings 9
- Physical distancing 75
- Park amenities 174
- Other 1
Ruff noted not every call is documented and these numbers do not reflect just how busy the hotline has become.
“Not every enquiry is documented in (these) numbers,” said Ruff. “The estimate by Legislative Services (personnel) is that these numbers would be at least three times greater than what is indicated.”
Citizens can call the COVID-19 enforcement hotline at 705-325-2313. It will be answered seven days a week from 7 a.m. until 10 p.m. daily.
