Reporting Covid-19 Violations
A provincewide emergency brake is in effect as of Saturday, April 3, 12:01 a.m. This puts in place shutdown measures that are the most stringent, to address rapidly escalating conditions, including the spread of variants of concern.
To enforce current provincial and local orders implemented to protect public health, the City implemented a reporting process by which members of the public can report Covid-19 violations to the City for investigation.
Covid-19 Related Complaint Form
Enforcement
The City’s Municipal By-law Enforcement Officers are fully engaged in both educating and enforcing provincial COVId-19 orders to ensure public safety guidelines and measures are adhered to.
While By-law Enforcement staff are directed to initially educate, when issues arise that demand and require enforcement, Municipal By-law Enforcement Officers will not hesitate to lay charges that currently carry a minimum fine of $880. Fines for repeat offenders escalate up to $10,000.
Brantford City By-law Officers have issued 11 charges relating to offences under both the Re-Opening Ontario Act and the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act. These offences range from businesses operating in violation of the regulations, non-permitted construction activity, and social gatherings.
The City’s By-law Officers are on duty 7 days/nights a week to respond to complaints as they are received and to undertake proactive inspections of problem areas such as parks and general business locations.
City of Brantford Enforcement Activity
Period |
Occurrences/investigations |
October 1 – 31, 2020 |
290 |
November 1 – 30, 2020 |
364 |
December 1 – 31, 2020 |
195 |
The above figures are not inclusive of investigations of COVID-19 violations conducted by the Brant County Health Unit and Brantford Police Services.
Commonly Asked Questions
As the current situation continues to evolve, the most commonly asked questions the City receives will be updated to provide residents with current information on how the City of Brantford is enforcing the Provincial Orders under the Emergency Measures and Civil Protection Act (EMCPA).
How are the emergency orders currently in place to slow the spread of COVID-19 enforced? |
Contraventions of the Emergency Management and Civil Protections Act (EMPCA) and/or City of Brantford By-law violations will result in the attendance of a City By-law Officer or Brant County Health Unit Inspection Officer, supported by a member of Brantford Police Service or Ontario Provincial Police (if warranted). |
What IS NOT permissible at this time? |
❌ Indoor organized public events or social gatherings, except with members of the same household (the people you live with). Individuals who live alone and single parents may consider having exclusive, close contact with another household to help reduce the negative impacts of social isolation. Businesses not permitted to open
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What IS permissible on City-owned property? |
✅ Outdoor organized public events and social gatherings of 5 or less people that comply with public health advice on physical distancing. ✅ Cycling or walk-through use on City-owned trails while practicing social distancing of 6 ft or 2 metres from others. |
Complaints related to self-isolation or quarantine |
On March 25, 2020 the Government of Canada invoked the Quarantine Act. This requires all travellers returning to Canada – with the exception of what the federal government is calling “essential workers” – enter a mandatory 14-day period of isolation, regardless of whether any symptoms of COVID-19 are present.
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Complaints related to large gatherings on public property |
To report a violation of COVID-19 provincial or municipal orders in Brantford, please use our online form or call the City’s Customer Contact Centre at 519-759-4150. |
Complaints related to non-compliance with physical distancing guidelines on private property (e.g. grocery stores) |
Physical distancing of being two metres (six feet) apart from another person is required to control the spread of COVID-19. People should avoid crowds and practice physical distance everywhere, including in open establishments, such as malls or grocery stores. For more information on how to practice physical distancing, please visit the BCHU website. |
Complaints regarding price gouging |
The Province has both an online and telephone option for the public to report incidents of price gouging. Make a report online or call Consumer Protection Ontario at 1-800-889-9768 between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday to Friday. |
Businesses who have additional questions |
Companies and workplaces that have questions about the temporary closure of all non-essential workplaces related order can call Ontario’s Stop the Spread Business Information Line at 1-888-444-3659. |
Employee Concerns |
If you have COVID-19 concerns or questions about your workplace or construction site, please call the Ministry of Labour’s Health and Safety Contact Centre at 1-877-202-0008. |
What should I do if someone comes to my house, calls me or sends a text asking for COVID-19 relief donations or is selling COVID-19 related products and services? |
Brantford Police Services reminds the public to be extra vigilant when it comes to those trying to sell or provide products or services associated with COVID-19. Reliable, accurate and up-to-date information is provided through local public health officials. Anyone who believes they have been approached or contacted by someone who is misrepresenting themselves in an effort to sell goods or services should report this to Brantford Police online |