Mayor Jeff Lehman has signed off on a new by-law that could mean fines of up to $100,000 for those who don’t adhere to strict physical distancing regulations.

The new Barrie COVID-19 Emergency Measures By-Law brought into effect today gives the city’s by-law officers the power to hand out fines of $500 to $100,000 on those who violate the following regulations:

Prohibiting people from maintaining less than a 2.0 metre distance from one another on any public property (other than people they live with);

Prohibiting businesses to operate in a manner that would allow people to be seated or to be standing less than 2.0 metres apart whether inside or outside the business (other than people they live with);

Prohibiting people from using any of the following City property: playgrounds and other structures in parks such as benches, pavilions and shelters; dog off leash areas; picnic areas; community gardens outdoor sports facilities and outdoor fitness equipment, including sports fields, basketball, pickleball, disc golf, skateboard parks and tennis courts



I've signed into law an emergency order bylaw to enforce distancing, to require it of businesses, and making it an offense to use playgrounds or other park amenities. A difficult step but this is the time for maximum effort to stop the spread of COVID-19. https://t.co/nv8uVADs9C — Jeff Lehman (@Mayor_Jeff) April 3, 2020

“Barrie is continuing to ensure our citizens stay home and stay safe,” says Mayor Jeff Lehman. “By implementing this new bylaw, it’s our hope that our City will help Ontario and Canada slow the spread of COVID-19. We all need take this seriously now for the health of our families, our friends and our community. If you have to go out for essential needs, only send one member of the household, stay apart and be safe.”