550 complaints in one day over use of amenities, physical distancing in Toronto parks

The City of Toronto says it received 550 complaints Thursday involving people using amenities or not practising physical distancing in parks.

Bylaw officers spoke to 770 people, issued 32 written cautions and 11 tickets, the City said in a release Friday. This brings the total to 79 tickets since April 4.

The physical distancing bylaw bans organized social gatherings of more than five people, using closed playgrounds and other park amenities, and other closure orders of non-essential business that remain open.

In addition, the City also received 78 complaints Thursday related to non-essential businesses remaining open despite the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act.

Since March 24, the City has issued six charges and 44 notices to non-essential businesses.

Officers have observed people congregating in groups and using closed amenities in parks, including off-leash dog parks, playgrounds, fitness stations, parking lots and skateboard facilities.

The City has singled out Bluffer's Park, High Park, Trinity Bellwoods, Allan Gardens and Sherwood Park, among other busy areas to target over the holiday weekend.

Residents are being urged to stay at home and keep their distance from others. People are asked to only go out for essential reasons, such as trips for groceries or to the pharmacy.

The fine for people failing to keep at least two metres distance from others in City of Toronto parks and public spaces has been set at $1,000.

The COVID-19 enforcement team consists of 200 municipal bylaw enforcement officers, 10 Toronto public health bylaw officers and resources from Toronto police.

Toronto Public Health also reported Friday that there are 1,891 cases of COVID-19 in Toronto - 1,637 confirmed and 254 probable, with 177 people in hospital and 79 in intensive care units.

There have been 77 deaths in Toronto as of Friday at 12:30 p.m. That's a jump of 23 from the same time 24 hours ago, the biggest one-day spike since the pandemic began.

April 10, 2020 - Clarification: This story has been updated from a previously published version to specify that the City of Toronto got 550 complaints.

Abhya Adlakha is a breaking news reporter, working out of the Star's radio room in Toronto. Follow her on Twitter: @AbhyaAdlakha