Hamilton bylaw officers now have the legal pandemic power to break up crowds larger than five people.

That includes the ability to hand out $750 tickets to individuals — or in the case of repeat offenders and dangerously stubborn scofflaws, issue court summons that could result in jail time and a maximum fine of $100,000.

The province this weekend cut the number of people legally allowed to gather socially from 50 to five as a result of the worsening COVID-19 pandemic. Traditionally, only police enforce orders under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act.

But that authority is now extended to bylaw officers who will “take the lead” in responding to COVID-19 crowd complaints during daylight hours on weekdays and Saturdays, said city licensing head Ken Leendertse. To contact bylaw, call the city contact centre at 905-546-2489.

Hamilton police will provide “support” and respond to complaints after 7 p.m., as well as those on Sundays, said spokesperson Jackie Penman. The non-emergency police number to call is 905-546-4925.

In the pandemic era, illegal social gatherings can be anything from group picnics in the park to road hockey games to funerals with more than 10 people. (The five-person limit does not apply to large family households.)

Most people are obeying the rules, Leendertse said, but city officials were “dismayed” to find a skate park packed with kids in suburban Hamilton on the weekend.

Crown Point residents also expressed frustration online after reporting a road hockey tournament in the east Hamilton neighbourhood Sunday. “To the 15 men or so playing road hockey at Roxborough and Province? GO HOME,” wrote one resident on Facebook.

Police responded to complaints about the game and “discussed” the new rules with participants, said Penman. So far, the police have only laid one charge for failing to comply with the province’s emergency order — in that case, a hookah lounge that opened despite not being an “essential” service.

Leendertse said bylaw officers will always seek to educate first about the fast-changing rules around COVID-19. But if someone refuses to co-operate, he said they won’t hesitate to hand out fines or court summons. “We know it’s tough ... but these are rules designed to help keep us all safe.”

Who to call

• If you see what appears to be an illegal large gathering, contact city bylaw during Saturday or weekday daylight hours (8 a.m. to 7 p.m.) at 905-546-2489. For after-hours or Sunday reports, call the police non-emergency line: 905-546-4925.

• If a non-essential business is operating contrary to the provincial order, contact the licensing enforcement team at the city via the contact centre: 905-546-2489.

• If you’re unsure about whether your business is considered essential or non-essential, the province has a toll-free line: 1-888-444-3659.

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• If a business or employee isn’t following proper hygiene or precautions, report it to public health: phscovid19@hamilton.ca or 905-974-9848.

• If an employee has safety concerns, report it to their health and safety representative or the Ministry of Labour: 1-877-202-0008.