NEWS RELEASE
SOUTH SIMCOE POLICE
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South Simcoe Police Service continues to work with the towns of Bradford West Gwillimbury and Innisfil along with the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit, and the Ministries of Health and Solicitor General to ensure the safety of our members and the citizens we serve during the COVID-19 crisis.
This Easter weekend, we urge all residents to stay home to prevent the spread of COVID-19. In other areas, localized outbreaks of COVID-19 have been traced back to gatherings at church services, funerals and parties. Let’s work together to keep our communities healthy and stop the further spread of the virus. Do not gather for church services or around the table for Easter brunch or dinner. Watch your church’s livestreamed Easter service and connect with your loved ones online or by phone instead. Remember that parks and recreational areas are closed. Always practice physical distancing, especially if you must venture outside.
We would like to send a special appeal for compliance directly to our teenage residents. This is a tough time for you. We know you want to congregate and hang out with friends. If you avoid those activities now, we hope to be able to resume them sooner than later. More importantly, you will have a better chance of keeping yourselves and your families healthy and safe. We need your leadership on this.
Easter 2020 will be like no other we have experienced and the actions everyone chooses this weekend will have a ripple effect for the weeks and months to come. It is everyone’s responsibility to safeguard against the transmission of the virus, so please choose wisely. Stay home, limit excursions and practicing physical distancing. Together we can remain healthy and #FlattenTheCurve.
Be advised that the Province of Ontario has banned short term accommodation rentals, such as AirBNB, except in very limited circumstances. Use of an AirBNB for COVID-19 getaways and party houses is strictly prohibited and could result in fines up to $100,000.
If you witness gatherings of five people or more, non-compliant restaurants, bars or fitness centres, you may contact your respective town by-law offices during regular business hours at:
BWG Enforcement
[email protected]
905-775-5366 ext. 1701
TOI Enforcement
[email protected]
705-436-3710*
* (Between 6 to 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 to 11 p.m., residents are asked to listen to the options, then dial 5 to leave a message for a by-law officer on duty)
During non-business hours of the towns’ by-law enforcement offices, you may report your complaints to the South Simcoe Police Service utilizing the non-emergency numbers at 705-436-2141 or 905-775-3311. If there is an emergency that requires immediate police presence, dial 911.
To report incidents of non-compliance for physical distancing, 14-day self-isolating for international travellers and non-essential business openings contact the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit 1-877-721-7520.
To report short term accommodation rentals that are being used for parties, contact South Simcoe Police at 705-436-2141 or 905-775-3311. If you suspect an AirBNB is otherwise occupied for any reason, contact your town directly.
Reports regarding price gouging must be reported directly to the Province of Ontario. Call 1-800-889-9768 or file a report online.
For questions regarding whether a business is considered essential, call the provincial 'Stop the Spread' Business Information Line 1-888-444-3659 for clarification.
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