AT approximately 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, August 22, Richmond RCMP attended a private sports centre in the 2300-block of No 6 Road, after receiving a complaint that management there was not complying with social distancing rules and regulations.
Frontline officers attended the location finding a significant amount of people past the 50-person limit as set out in requirements of the Provincial Health Officer guidelines. It was also learned that the location was doing little to encourage social distancing, proper sanitization or contact tracing.
Cpl. Ian Henderson said: “Initially, investigators took an educational approach when dealing with the participants and spectators at the facility, but it was quite clear that the business needed further incentive to comply with the PHO’s guidelines.”
The operator of the facility was issued a $2,300 Violation Ticket, under section 23.3(2) of the new COVID-19 Related Measures Act, for a contravention of the Provincial Health Officer Gatherings and Events Order.
Richmond RCMP also attended a number of private gatherings over the weekend, opting to educate people rather than issue violation tickets. The RCMP pointed out that individuals are also subject to a $230 fine if they fail to follow the request of a business owner or event organizer to comply with the terms of the PHO order on gatherings and events.
“It is disappointing that people still aren’t getting the message. Whenever possible, we will take an educational approach to the Public Health Officer’s orders, but for those businesses operating in blatant disregard for the PHO’s orders, the RCMP will be considering violation tickets under the new CMRA,” said Henderson.
Richmond RCMP say they are committed to promoting public safety in their community and will continue to enforce provisions of the COVID-19 Related Measures Act where needed.
Members of the public are encouraged to report possible violations under the COVID-19 Related Measures Act to Richmond Bylaws between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. by email at bylawrequest@richmond.ca, to Richmond RCMP at 604-278-1212 or through the RCMP online reporting system at https://ocre-sielc.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/richmond
