NEWS RELEASE
TIMMINS POLICE SERVICE
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The Timmins Police Service deems it necessary to issue a Public Advisory in regards to recent incidents of severe non-compliance with COVID-19 protocols dictated in the Emergency Measures Act.
The Timmins Police responded to a Mountjoy Street South house party during the late evening hours of Friday, Sept. 25 where an indoor gathering of well more than 10 individuals was underway in direct contravention of the maximum allowable limit spelled out by statute.
The house party was largely attended by teen age or younger adults and was effectively shut down by the Timmins Police who are focused on enforcing the necessary aspects of the Emergency Measures Act to address COVID-19 related concerns.
Additionally, the Timmins Police responded to a “pit party” in an area off of Pine Street South, commonly known as Cowboy Lake during the late evening hours of Saturday, Sept. 26 where an outdoor gathering of roughly 60 persons was underway.
Here again this was determined to be in direct contravention of the maximum allowable limit spelled out within the pertinent statute and public health protocols.
In this instance as well, the pit party was largely attended by teenage persons or younger adults and was effectively shut down by the Timmins Police who remain focused on enforcing the necessary aspects of the Emergency Measures Act to address Covid -19 related concerns.
A separate complaint has been received by the Timmins Police Service in regards to gathering at a local restaurant in the north end of the city where gatherings of customers are outside the allowable limits prescribed by statutes and where social distancing and the wearing of masks is not being complied with.
The Timmins Police Service is empowered to enforce the public health oriented aspects of the Emergency Measures Act vigorously and to the continued benefit of the community we serve.
With that in mind, the Timmins Police Service take each of these incidents very seriously and find it distressing that the average age of the persons involved appears to be a common denominator.
The Timmins Police Service urges all persons, but young adults and teenagers in particular, to make themselves familiar with the provisions of the Emergency Measures Act by making use of the following link or by means of a toll free inquiry at 1-866-517-0571.
Additionally, the Timmins Police draw particular and necessary attention to the legal principles currently in place, specifically that, on Mar. 18, 2020, additional fines were established by way of Schedule 4.0.1 to the Emergency Measures and Civil Protection Act (EMCPA) and pursuant to section 7.0.11(1)(a) of the Act.
These include set fines in respect of the following offences under the EMCPA:
- fail to comply with an order made during a declared emergency: $750;
- obstruct any person exercising a power in accordance with an order made during a declared emergency: $1,000; and
- obstruct any person performing a duty in accordance with an order made during a declared emergency: $1,000.
Where deemed necessary and appropriate, the Timmins Police Service will make use of the enforcement provisions of the Emergency Measures Act which carry significantly elevated fines.
The educational approach and use of enhanced discretion in terms of the laying of charges has come to an end.
A more vigorous stance in regards to violations of the EMCPA by the Timmins Police Service appears to be necessary.
Anyone with information in relation to any contraventions of the public health protocols limits governing indoor or outdoor gatherings is urged to call the Timmins Police without delay by means of 9-1-1 or with the use of the administrative phone line of 705-264-1201.
If necessary, information can be provided anonymously by means of the Crime Stopper tip line at 1-800-222-8477 or online.
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