Starting today, Ontario is shutting down its borders with Quebec and Manitoba to non-essential travel, in an effort to stop the spread of COVID-19.
All vehicles will be required to slow down as they approach the checkpoints. Commercial vehicles, such as transport trucks, will be permitted to pass. Ontario-plated passenger vehicles will be required to enter the checkpoint, but will be allowed to proceed. Officers will be screening incoming passenger vehicles with out-of-province plates to determine the reason for entering Ontario. Permitted reasons include, but are not limited to:
Live/work in Ontario
Health care matters
Indigenous Treaty Rights
Child care or custody matters
Transportation of goods
Those travelling through Ontario to another location
For specifics of the vehicle border screening legislation (O. Reg. 293/21), visit https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/r21293.
The provincial government is also limiting the capacity of weddings, funerals, and religious services, or ceremonies to 10 people indoors or outdoors.
It says social gatherings associated with these services such as receptions are prohibited, except for with members of the same household or one other person from outside that household who lives alone.
Essential retailers must lower capacity limits to 25 per cent, and non-essential construction has to shut down.
Recreational facilities such as golf courses are now closed, but playgrounds will remain open, after the government reversed that decision over the weekend.
Solicitor General Sylvia Jones also said officers will no longer have the right to stop any pedestrian or driver to ask why they’re out or request their home address.
Instead, she said, police will only be able to stop people who they have reason to believe are participating in an “organized public event or social gathering.”
All other public health and workplace safety measures for non-essential retail under the provincewide stay-at-home order, which was extended until May 20th, will continue to apply.
The OPP urges everyone to comply with all restrictions. Although voluntary compliance is always preferred, under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (EMCPA), Re-Opening Ontario Act (ROA) and federal Quarantine Act, there are consequences for individuals who choose to defy the emergency orders that are in force. The OPP will be informing the public of charges laid each day on its social media accounts. The public is reminded that individuals who fail to comply with the restrictions can be issued a minimum fine of $750. Those who obstruct an authority or individual from enforcing or complying with an order can receive a minimum fine of $1,000, and those who host parties or gatherings in violation of the regulations can face a maximum fine of $10,000 on conviction.
For all non-emergency police matters – including allegations of non-compliance – contact your municipal by-law office, call the OPP non-emergency number at 1-888-310-1122, or contact your local detachment.
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