Brampton council discussed the possibility of instituting fines for those not adhering to social distancing guidelines at its March 25 meeting, as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread.

With city hall closed and members of council practicing social distancing themselves, Wednesday’s meeting was conducted mostly virtually, with only a pair of councillors and senior staff spaced out in council chambers and the rest connected remotely from home.

Council received a staff report outlining options and guidelines should the ongoing coronavirus health crisis deepen and the city eventually decide to issue fines.

“New regulation being explored includes but is not limited to: requiring a 2.0-metre separation distance between persons, other than immediate family members with whom a person resides; and limitations and/or restrictions on the use of public playgrounds,” said the city in a release.

As of Wednesday (March 25), Peel Region Health has confirmed 63 cases in the region, including 22 in Brampton, 36 in Mississauga, four in Caledon and details pending for one other.

Council was unanimous in its support of keeping the option open, but ultimately held off on considering and voting on fines until deemed necessary.

While Mayor Patrick Brown said he would consult council before implementing any kind of fine, he confirmed the recent state of emergency gives the mayor the power to unilaterally implement fines with a council majority approval or not.

“If needed (I can), but I would obviously consult council,” Brown said. "If Brampton residents don’t embrace social distancing, then I will have no hesitation to pull the trigger.”

“This is about saving lives. I hope I don’t need to start fining people. I hope residents will do the right thing on their own,” he added.

The report from staff outlined possible allowable fines under the Ontario Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act, of anywhere from $750 to $1,000 for violating different aspect of emergency orders.