Mayor Burton signs by-law to enforce physical distancing during COVID-19 Emergency

The Town of Oakville is implementing a physical distancing By-law. By-law 2020-054, which supports the Provincial Orders made under the Emergency Management Act in order to protect Oakville residents by regulating physical distancing during the COVID-19 emergency.

Individuals not adhering to the physical distancing regulation can be fined a minimum of $750 and maximum of up to $100,000 for each offence, or issued an administrative monetary penalty in the amount of $300.

Following numerous reports of social gatherings on public property and individuals not maintaining the safe physical distance of at least two metres apart from others, Mayor Rob Burton signed By-law 2020-054, the Emergency Physical Distancing By-law.

“Today’s stark provincial forecast of the COVID-19 epidemic further underscores the need for additional Public Health measures, including an enhanced focus on enforcement and fines for non-compliance of physical distancing,” said Mayor Burton.

“This is a step I would prefer not to make but I still receive daily reports of individuals who continue to take dangerous chances with their health - and the health of all the rest of us. The actions we take today will save lives.”

The Town of Oakville and the Region of Halton both declared a State of Emergency on March 24, 2020. The Town of Oakville’s declaration stated that: “The outbreak of a communicable disease namely COVID-19 coronavirus constitutes a danger of major proportions that could result in serious harm to persons”.

For more information on the actions the Town of Oakville is taking to address COVID-19, please visit the COVID-19 page.