Torontonians who stand within two metres of each other in all parks and public squares could now be fined $5,000.
The city enacted a new bylaw Thursday — in effect for the next 30 days — prohibiting people who don’t live together from being two metres of each other in these places. If prosecuted, they face a hefty fine up to $5,000, but the city aims to set the fine at $750.
Mayor John Tory said he was irate to see people still crowding and socializing in parks, closed playgrounds and parking lots, resulting in more stringent enforcement.
Coinciding with this is a blitz involving 160 Toronto Police officers, including its mounted unit, along with Toronto Public Health and 200 municipal licensing and standards officers to enforce the bylaw in city parks.
Tory said 15 concrete blocks are also being dropped at parking lot entrances, including at Sunnyside Park.
“The time for puzzlement is over,” Tory said. “Lives are potentially at stake and we will turn up the heat in hopes that the few who still don’t get it, or pretend not get it, will get with the program.”
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