29 charged after police break up Mississauga Airbnb party

Twenty-nine people are facing charges after a house party in Mississauga at which more than 60 people may have been in attendance.

Peel police along with by-law officers were called to an Airbnb near Ninth Line and Deepwood Heights just after midnight Sunday.

Deputy Police Chief Marc Andrews said 27 people were issued $880 fines for violating provincial rules aimed at reducing the spread of COVID-19. Two individuals identified as the hosts of the party were also given Part 3 Summons which carry with it a fine of $10,000.

“Its a tough time for everyone, these antics help no one,” tweeted Andrews.

Andrews said as many as 60 people may have been at the party but that “some fled on police arrival.”

Police added two people were also charged with obstruction of justice as they refused to identify themselves to by-law officers and police.

Peel is currently the province’s “lockdown” zone which prohibits any indoor gatherings unless it is members of the same household.

Mississauga mayor Bonnie Crombie said she was disappointed to learn about the large gathering.

“Everyone has to play their part to get this virus under control. …The virus right now is controlling us, we’re not controlling the virus,” she said in a statement. “These charges and tickets send a strong signal to the community that we are taking the situation extremely seriously and will not hesitate the enforce the rules.”

Back in August, Airbnb said it would ban “all parties and events at Airbnb listings” while setting a cap of 16 people per rental propertyin the best interest of public health.

Airbnb said it would ban users who skirt the 16-person cap and could take legal action as well.

In September, Airbnb said it had suspended more than 40 listings across Ontario as part of its effort to crack down on party houses. It was part of a pilot project in Canada to restrict users under the age of 25 from booking entire homes.