‘Please don’t gather’, Toronto police issue more than 400 additional fines ahead of weekend

While it’s expected to be a nice weekend weather-wise, with highs nearing 20 degrees, Toronto police are once again urging people to not gather with friends and family.

Staff Superintendent Randy Carter said in a statement that officers have attended 1,000 gatherings since the launch of the service’s dedicated enforcement teams on April 22.

“Our dedicated teams are attending more than 300 calls a week – a stark number which sadly doesn’t seem to be dropping despite repeated calls for people not to socialize.”

Police from all divisions are continuing to investigate a variety of parties and social gatherings at condos, short-term rentals, as well as closed bars and restaurants.

RELATED:

• Ontario reports fewer than 2,500 new COVID-19 cases, 26 deaths

• Lake Shore West included in ActiveTO weekend road closures

From last Friday to Thursday, more than 403 tickets were issued under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act as well as Reopening Ontario Act. 11 criminal charges were also laid.

One of the recent incidents officers responded to included a large-scale party at a business premise in the Huron and Dundas Street West area where no one was wearing a mask.

24 charges were laid and $13,000 worth of alcohol was seized.

If you are looking to get some fresh air and want to do it safely, ActiveTO returns this weekend. The initiative was introduced last year in response to the COVID-19 pandemic as a way to allow for physical distancing by giving cyclists and pedestrians more space on roadways.

The following road closures will be in effect from 6 a.m. Saturday to 9 p.m. Sunday:

• Lake Shore Boulevard West (eastbound lanes), between Windermere Avenue and Stadium Road
• Lake Shore Boulevard East (eastbound lanes), between Leslie Street and Woodbine Avenue
• Bayview Avenue, between Front Street East and Rosedale Valley Road
• River Street between Bayview Avenue and Spruce Street