A vacation rental suite in a condo building in the 6300-block of McKay Avenue received a lot of attention last weekend from City of Burnaby bylaws staff and Burnaby RCMP’s COVID Compliance Enforcement Team.

On Saturday, just before 2 a.m., police responded to a report that a large party was taking place in that rental suite. Burnaby RCMP’s COVID Compliance Enforcement Team responded and quickly established that the gathering was out of compliance with the COVID Related Measures Act (CRMA). There were 26 people in attendance at the gathering which was in violation of the limits for vacation properties, the host had not taken contact information from all those in attendance and there was insufficient space for those gathering to adequately physical distance. The host of the gathering was issued a $2,300 fine and the party immediately shut down.

Within 24 hours, the same two police officers who had issued the ticket on Saturday morning were back at the same suite for a second complaint that a large party was taking place. This time, a different person had rented the property but the same violations of the CRMA were observed. The gathering was in violation of the limits for vacation properties with 17 people in attendance, the host had not taken contact information from attendees and there was insufficient space for those gathering to practice physical distancing. The host of the gathering was issued a $2,300 ticket and the party shut down.

“When we see the lives that have been lost and the sacrifices being made by people around our province due to COVID-19, it is quite frankly appalling that we still have people showing complete disregard for measures put in place to try to keep everyone safe and well,” said Cpl. Mike Kalanj on Monday. “If you have a vacation property booked in the coming weeks to host a party with 20 of your friends, take our advice and cancel it now because you will be reported and you will be fined.”