Article content

Gatineau police have issued a city tenant tickets totalling $1,200 plus costs in the city’s first crackdown on large assemblies forbidden under Quebec’s stringent COVID-19 containment measures.

Police were called shortly before 1 a.m. Wednesday for complaints about a noisy party in a Hull apartment building.

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

tap here to see other videos from our team. Try refreshing your browser, or COVID-19: Partying Gatineau tenant fined $1,200 under Quebec's stringent anti-virus rules Back to video

Arriving officers could hear the noise from outside the building and “surmised there were several people” in the apartment.

Inside, the officers determined two of the five people present were not residents.

“According to procedure, the officers tried an approach based on information and awareness,” police said in a release.

“However, those present refused to cooperate.”

The leaseholder was issued a $200 ticket (plus costs) for contravening the municipal noise bylaws.

The leaseholder also received a ticket for $1,000 under the provincial Public Health Act for having held a gathering in a dwelling.

“Although the SPVG favours a community persuasion approach … police are ready to take coercive measures in the event of a refusal to cooperate.,” the release cautioned.

Under Quebec’s Public Health Act, fines can range from $1,000 to $6,000.

Anyone wishing to report a noisy indoor meeting is asked to call Gatineau police at 819-246-0222.