FREE DIGITAL ACCESS: The Hamilton Spectator has made the decision to provide free digital access to essential local coronavirus articles. If you appreciate good journalism, please subscribe to thespec.com for unlimited access to all articles.

Hamilton bylaw officers have handed out 19 tickets to people caught violating emergency orders in place because of COVID-19 in this city.

The fines, under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (EMCPA), start at $750.

Bylaw officers were “out this weekend enforcing the areas where people are not permitted at this time,” said spokesperson Jasmine Graham.

Closed areas include playgrounds, skate parks, escarpment stairs, waterfront trails, beaches, waterfalls, dog parks, golf courses and boat launches.

Bylaw officers were also looking for social groups congregating with more than five people.

On Saturday, officers handed out 19 tickets, Graham said.

Golf courses, Albion Falls and escarpment stairs were particular areas of concern.

This means residents are not allowed on a golf course, even just for a walk.

“We’re still seeing large numbers of people trying to visit Albion Falls,” Graham said, adding that this area and all the parking nearby is completely closed.

Bylaw also saw people removing barricades and fencing at escarpment stairs.

People who remove or damage city property could be charged criminally with mischief.

“Residents who need fresh air should be walking in their own neighbourhoods, while maintaining physical distance from others who may be outside,” she said.

While Hamilton bylaw is taking the lead on enforcing EMCPA, police are backing up bylaw and will enforce the law while conducting their regular policing duties.

Last week Hamilton police charged an alleged drug dealer for continuing to operate a non-essential business and ticketed at least four people caught at Chedoke Golf Course.

On March 19, the owner of a hookah bar on the Mountain was also charged for operating a non-essential business.

Hamilton police said they too had officers out educating people this weekend, specifically at the Chedoke stairs and beach strip on Saturday.

Under the emergency orders, non-essential businesses, public places and recreational areas are ordered closed.

Social gatherings of more than five people are prohibited.

Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading...

People being ticketed under the act must identify themselves.

Price gouging of essential goods is also prohibited.

Individuals who do not follow emergency orders can be issued a ticket with a possible fine of $750, or a court summons with a possible punishment of up to one year imprisonment or a fine of up to $100,000.

Anyone who obstructs an officer or person exercising power under the act can be fined $1,000.

A director of a corporation that does not follow an emergency order could face a fine of up to $500,000 and a corporation itself could face a fine of up to $10 million.

Additionally, orders under the Quarantine Act, including mandating a 14-day quarantine for anyone who has returned from out of the country, can be enforced by local police under the direction of a quarantine officer.