It has been a week since provincial inspectors were in Simcoe-Muskoka, checking local businesses for compliance with COVID-19 safety protocols.
Certain indoor settings now require patrons over the age of 12 to provide proof of vaccination status before entering.
Even though the numbers of fines or warnings from our region’s inspections have yet to be released, many residents have asked how to report places for not following the rules, and business owners who brag about it on social media.
After a couple of phone calls and a few emails to the SMDHU, Labour Minister and Ministry of Health, I was told the best way to report a business for violating the rules is by calling or emailing your local by-law office.
For not complying with COVID-19 safety protocols, the fines for individuals start at $750, and businesses start at $1,000.
The last inspection in February found 51% of businesses visited in Simcoe Muskoka were complying with COVID-19 measures.
To know your responsibilities as an employer, please click here.
The contact information for local by-law officers is listed below:
-Barrie
(705) 739-4241
Email
-Orillia
705-325-2313
Email
-Ramara
705-484-5374 ext. 292
Email
-Penetanguishene
705-549-7453
Email
-Oro-Medonte
(705) 487-2171
Email
-Wasaga Beach
705-429-3844 x2253
Email
-Collingwood
705-445-1030 ext. 3256
Email
-Midland
705-526-4275
Email
-Huntsville
705-789-1751
Email
-Muskoka Lakes
(705) 765-3156
Email
-Gravenhurst
705-687-3412
Email
-Bracebridge
T: 705-645-6319 x 250
Email
-Lake Of Bays
705-635-2272 ext. 1246
Email
For details about businesses restrictions and requirements, see the province’s Roadmap to Reopen and proof of vaccination question and answer resource.
If you have concerns about your health and safety that your employer is not addressing, you can file a complaint with the Health and Safety Contact Centre at 1-877-202-0008 (TTY : 1-855-653-9260). The number operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The province will be working with us & other local partners visiting #SimcoeMuskoka businesses, particularly those that must now require proof of vaccination.
Visits will focus on educating businesses about proof of vaccination requirement & compliance. https://t.co/IsUtXHPtTW pic.twitter.com/yzUWYC5jjZ
— SMDHU (@SMDhealthunit) October 4, 2021
The Ontario government is continuing to protect workers and people from COVID-19 by providing businesses with new tools and educational resources, including a new safety plan builder and 100 new inspectors. https://t.co/dM4ENxt9EJ pic.twitter.com/5QnqBAj5Q8
— Ontario At Work (@ONTatwork) September 27, 2021
https://twitter.com/MonteMcNaughton/status/1441494437830430721