Toronto COVID-19 enforcement teams lay over 160 charges, disperse dozens of groups at indoor gatherings

Toronto’s “dedicated enforcement teams” have laid over 160 charges including eight criminal charges as part of the City’s plan to support the provincial stay-at-home order.

Last week the force announced Toronto Police officers would be deployed in 16 divisions to enforce provincial orders.

Officers said they haven’t been making random stops but are allowed to enter a property if they have reasonable grounds to believe there is non-compliance, such as investigating a complaint of a loud party.

“While I want to thank the vast majority of residents who are respecting the law, too many people – mostly adults – are having parties and hosting large gatherings in Toronto every day and night. It has to stop,” said Toronto Police Chief James Ramer.

Officers say there was and will continue to be a particular focus on indoor gatherings at short-term rentals and underground bars.

Responding officers attended approximately 210 gatherings in response to calls from the public about noisy parties and gatherings, with more than half of these gatherings being held indoors.

In addition to a surplus of charges relating to the province’s stay-at-home order, officers say eight criminal charges were laid for various offences including obstructing a police officer and assault.

They say Toronto’s downtown core generated the most calls adding that Saturday, April 24th was the busiest night with teams responding to reports across the city at premises including houses, apartments, short-term rentals, and businesses.

This includes a large gathering at a condo in the King Street West and Portland Street area where officers say they were met with a large number of people. Ten of the occupants did not live at the address and were charged as a result.

“At a time when positive case counts continue to rise to worrying numbers and hospital ICU admissions are at their highest, it’s extremely disappointing to see people having parties and gatherings and putting themselves, their families, healthcare workers, and First Responders at increased risk,” added Chief Ramer.

In another example, officers said they responded to a noisy party call in the York Street and Harbour Street area, where they could hear loud music coming from a nearby unit.

The apartment was being used as a short-term rental and six people were charged under the EMCPA.