FAQ about Enforcement
As the COVID-19 situation in Hamilton continues to evolve, these FAQ will be regularly updated as circumstances change to provide residents with current information on how the City of Hamilton is enforcing the Provincial Orders under the Emergency Measures and Civil Protection Act (EMCPA).
Updated as of January 10, 2021. Information is updated weekly on Monday mornings.
| Charges under EMCPA | Charges |
|---|---|
| Non-essential/Essential Businesses | 13 |
| Gathering of 5+ People | 28 |
| Use of Prohibited Amenities | 114 |
| Others | 0 |
| Obstruct any Order/Officer | 9 |
| Using off-leash Dog Park | 8 |
| Total Charges under EMCPA | 172 |
| Charges under Reopening Ontario Act (ROA) | Charges |
|---|---|
| Fail to comply with a continued section 7.0.2 order | 104 |
| Obstruct any person exercising power | 1 |
| Obstruct any person performing a duty | 1 |
| Total Charges under ROA | 106 |
| Administrative Penalties | Charges |
|---|---|
| Fireworks By-law | 1 |
| Face Coverings By-law (20-155) | 23 |
| Physical Distancing (20-056) | 133 |
| Physical Distancing (20-164) | 11 |
| Total Charges under APS | 168 |
Enforcement Fine Amounts
| Physical Distancing | Face Coverings | EMCPA | Social Gathering |
|---|---|---|---|
| $500 | $200 to $500 | $750 to $1000 | $880 |
Business charges issued under COVID Regulations and By-laws include:
- Face Coverings By-law (20-155), as amended;
- Physical Distancing By-law (20-164), as amended;
- Reopening Ontario Act (ROA), 2020, S.O. 2020, c. 17
- Any other legislation/by-laws enacted by the Province or the City in relation to the pandemic
Disclaimer: Please note that the fact that a business has been charged with an offence does not mean that that business is guilty of the offence. A ticket or penalty notice amounts to an allegation and the business is presumed innocent until the alleged offence is proven or admitted.
| Date | Business | Offence | Charge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8-Jan-21 | ANYTIME CONVENIENCE Main St. E., Hamilton |
Reopening Ontario Act | Fail to comply with a continued section 7.0.2 order; No Covid-19 Safety Plan |
| 8-Jan-21 | WELCOME MART Barton St. E., Hamilton |
Reopening Ontario Act | Fail to comply with a continued section 7.0.2 order; No Covid-19 Safety Plan |
| 5-Jan-21 | BIG BEAR FOOD MARKET Aberdeen Ave., Hamilton |
Reopening Ontario Act | Fail to comply with a continued section 7.0.2 order; No Covid-19 Safety Plan |
| 4-Jan-21 | DOLLAR STORE Dundurn St. S., Hamilton |
Reopening Ontario Act | Fail to comply with a continued section 7.0.2 order; Fail to conduct active screening of customers, No COVID-19 Safety Plan |
| 2-Jan-21 | DE ROSA BAKERY Wilson St., Hamilton |
Reopening Ontario Act | Fail to comply with a continued section 7.0.2 order; Attend indoor social gathering |
| 2-Jan-21 | DE ROSA BAKERY Wilson St., Hamilton |
Reopening Ontario Act | Fail to comply with a continued section 7.0.2 order; Attend indoor social gathering |
| 2-Jan-21 | DE ROSA BAKERY Wilson St., Hamilton |
Reopening Ontario Act | Fail to comply with a continued section 7.0.2 order; Attend indoor social gathering |
| 2-Jan-21 | DE ROSA BAKERY Wilson St., Hamilton |
Reopening Ontario Act | Fail to comply with a continued section 7.0.2 order; Attend indoor social gathering |
| 1-Jan-21 | LAST CALL BAR Crockett St., Hamilton |
Reopening Ontario Act | Fail to comply with a continued section 7.0.2 order; Attend indoor social gathering |
| 1-Jan-21 | LAST CALL BAR Crockett St., Hamilton |
Reopening Ontario Act | Fail to comply with a continued section 7.0.2 order; Attend indoor social gathering |
| 1-Jan-21 | LAST CALL BAR Crockett St., Hamilton |
Reopening Ontario Act | Fail to comply with a continued section 7.0.2 order; Attend indoor social gathering |
| 1-Jan-21 | LAST CALL BAR Crockett St., Hamilton |
Reopening Ontario Act | Fail to comply with a continued section 7.0.2 order; Attend indoor social gathering |
| 31-Dec-20 | PAGODA DOWNTOWN RESTAURANT Main St. E., Hamilton |
Reopening Ontario Act | Fail to comply with a continued section 7.0.2 order; Fail to enforce Physical Distancing |
| 31-Dec-20 | PAGODA DOWNTOWN RESTAURANT Main St. E., Hamilton |
Reopening Ontario Act | Fail to comply with a continued section 7.0.2 order; Exceeded maximum capacity within establishment |
| 31-Dec-20 | NO FRILLS Upper James St., Hamilton |
Reopening Ontario Act | Fail to comply with a continued section 7.0.2 order; Failed to conduct required screenings |
| 31-Dec-20 | SHOPPERS DRUG MART Mohawk Rd. E., Hamilton |
Reopening Ontario Act | Fail to comply with a continued section 7.0.2 order; Failed to conduct required screenings |
| 29-Dec-20 | BIG BEAR FOOD MART Aberdeen Ave, Hamilton |
Face Coverings By-law | Fail to wear a required Face Covering in an Establishment |
| 29-Dec-20 | FOOD BASICS Mohawk Rd. W., Hamilton |
Face Coverings By-law | Fail to wear a required Face Covering in an Establishment |
| 29-Dec-20 | CENTURA Nebo Rd, Hamilton |
Reopening Ontario Act | Fail to comply with a continued section 7.0.2 order; Open for indoor shopping when not permitted |
| 29-Dec-20 | CENTURA Nebo Rd, Hamilton |
Reopening Ontario Act | Fail to comply with a continued section 7.0.2 order; No COVID-19 Safety Plan |
| 27-Dec-20 | SUPREME PIZZA Upper Wentworth St., Hamilton |
Face Coverings By-law | As Operator failed to ensure person working in Establishment wears Face Covering |
| 27-Dec-20 | WM DISCOUNT & LIQUIDATION Barton St. E., Hamilton |
Reopening Ontario Act | Fail to comply with a continued section 7.0.2 order; No COVID-19 Safety Plan |
| 27-Dec-20 | WM DISCOUNT & LIQUIDATION Barton St. E., Hamilton |
Reopening Ontario Act | Fail to comply with a continued section 7.0.2 order; Failed to conduct required screenings |
| 27-Dec-20 | GOLDEN GRAIN BAKERY INC Highway 8, Stoney Creek |
Reopening Ontario Act | Fail to comply with a continued section 7.0.2 order; Failed to conduct required screenings |
| 27-Dec-20 | GOLDEN GRAIN BAKERY INC Highway 8, Stoney Creek |
Reopening Ontario Act | Fail to comply with a continued section 7.0.2 order; Failed to ensure Face Coverings worn |
| 27-Dec-20 | GOLDEN GRAIN BAKERY INC Highway 8, Stoney Creek |
Reopening Ontario Act | Fail to comply with a continued section 7.0.2 order; No COVID-19 Safety Plan |
| 27-Dec-20 | SALTI'S STORE Fennell Ave. E., Hamilton |
Reopening Ontario Act | Fail to comply with a continued section 7.0.2 order; Failed to ensure Face Coverings worn |
| 27-Dec-20 | SALTI'S STORE Fennell Ave. E., Hamilton |
Reopening Ontario Act | Fail to comply with a continued section 7.0.2 order; No COVID-19 Safety Plan |
| 24-Dec-20 | TIM HORTONS South Service Rd., Stoney Creek |
Reopening Ontario Act | Fail to comply with a continued section 7.0.2 order; Fail to enforce Physical Distancing |
| 24-Dec-20 | TIM HORTONS South Service Rd., Stoney Creek |
Reopening Ontario Act | Fail to comply with a continued section 7.0.2 order; Failed to ensure Face Coverings worn |
| 24-Dec-20 | TIM HORTONS South Service Rd., Stoney Creek |
Reopening Ontario Act | Fail to comply with a continued section 7.0.2 order; Exceed gathering limits |
| 24-Dec-20 | BEER STORE Mohawk Rd. E., Hamilton |
Reopening Ontario Act | Fail to comply with a continued section 7.0.2 order; Failed to conduct required screenings |
| 21-Dec-20 | BIG BEAR FOOD MART Wellington St. N., Hamilton |
Reopening Ontario Act | Fail to comply with a continued section 7.0.2 order; No COVID-19 Safety Plan |
| 20-Dec-20 | BIG BEE CONVENIENCE Barton St. E., Hamilton |
Face Coverings By-law | As Operator failed to ensure person working in Establishment wears Face Covering |
| 20-Dec-20 | NATIONS FRESH FOODS King St. W., Hamilton |
Reopening Ontario Act | Fail to comply with a continued section 7.0.2 order; Fail to enforce Physical Distancing |
| 20-Dec-20 | NATIONS FRESH FOODS King St. W., Hamilton |
Reopening Ontario Act | Fail to comply with a continued section 7.0.2 order; No COVID-19 Safety Plan |
| 20-Dec-20 | NATIONS FRESH FOODS King St. W., Hamilton |
Reopening Ontario Act | Fail to comply with a continued section 7.0.2 order; Fail to enforce physical distancing within store |
| 20-Dec-20 | FRANCO'S NO FRILLS Queenston Rd, Hamilton |
Reopening Ontario Act | Fail to comply with a continued section 7.0.2 order; Failed to conduct required screenings |
| 20-Dec-20 | FRANCO'S NO FRILLS Queenston Rd, Hamilton |
Reopening Ontario Act | Fail to comply with a continued section 7.0.2 order; Fail to enforce Physical Distancing |
| 19-Dec-20 | B&T FOODS Queen St. N., Hamilton |
Reopening Ontario Act | Fail to comply with a continued section 7.0.2 order; Failed to conduct required screenings |
| 19-Dec-20 | B&T FOODS Queen St. N., Hamilton |
Reopening Ontario Act | Fail to comply with a continued section 7.0.2 order; Fail to enforce Physical Distancing |
| 19-Dec-20 | B&T FOODS Queen St. N., Hamilton |
Reopening Ontario Act | Fail to comply with a continued section 7.0.2 order; Fail to enforce Physical Distancing |
| 19-Dec-20 | B&T FOODS Queen St. N., Hamilton |
Reopening Ontario Act | Fail to comply with a continued section 7.0.2 order; Failed to conduct required screenings |
| 18-Dec-20 | MINDEN JEWELLERS King St. W., Hamilton |
Face Coverings By-law | Fail to wear a required Face Covering in an Establishment |
| 18-Dec-20 | PITA PIT King St. W., Hamilton |
Face Coverings By-law | Fail to wear a required Face Covering in an Establishment |
| 18-Dec-20 | THE DREAM CENTRE Innovation Drive, Flamborough |
Reopening Ontario Act | Fail to comply with a continued section 7.0.2 order; Exceed capacity limits for indoor sports facility |
| 17-Dec-20 | SAMIR SUPERMARKET Upper James St, Hamilton |
Reopening Ontario Act | Fail to comply with a continued section 7.0.2 order; Failed to conduct required screenings |
| 17-Dec-20 | SAMIR SUPERMARKET Upper James St, Hamilton |
Reopening Ontario Act | Fail to comply with a continued section 7.0.2 order; Face Coverings violations |
| 17-Dec-20 | PUB FICTION Garner Rd. W., Ancaster |
Reopening Ontario Act | Fail to comply with a continued section 7.0.2 order; Exceed capacity limits for indoor dining |
| 16-Dec-20 | AL SIMMONS GUN SHOP LIMITED Locke St. S., Hamilton |
Face Coverings By-law | As Operator failed to ensure person working in Establishment wears Face Covering |
| 16-Dec-20 | AL SIMMONS GUN SHOP LIMITED Locke St. S., Hamilton |
Face Coverings By-law | Obstructing an Officer or Authorized Staff |
| 14-Dec-20 | B&T FOODS Queen St. N., Hamilton |
Reopening Ontario Act | Fail to comply with a continued section 7.0.2 order; Failed to conduct required screenings |
| 12-Dec-20 | SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM King Street East, Hamilton |
Reopening Ontario Act | Fail to comply with a continued section 7.0.2 order; Failed to conduct required screenings |
| 12-Dec-20 | SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM King Street East, Hamilton |
Reopening Ontario Act | Fail to comply with a continued section 7.0.2 order; Exceed capacity limit for an event or meeting space |
| 12-Dec-20 | SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM King Street East, Hamilton |
Reopening Ontario Act | Fail to comply with a continued section 7.0.2 order; No Contact Tracing |
| 12-Dec-20 | SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM King Street East, Hamilton |
Reopening Ontario Act | Fail to comply with a continued section 7.0.2 order; Fail to enforce Physical Distancing |
| 12-Dec-20 | SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM King Street East, Hamilton |
Reopening Ontario Act | Obstruct any person performing a duty in accordance with a continued section 7.0.2 order |
| 12-Dec-20 | SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM King Street East, Hamilton |
Reopening Ontario Act | Fail to comply with a continued section 7.0.2 order; No COVID-19 Safety Plan |
| 12-Dec-20 | FLEA MARKET Barton Street East, Hamilton |
Reopening Ontario Act | Fail to comply with a continued section 7.0.2 order; Failed to conduct required screenings. |
| 12-Dec-20 | CAUSE AND EFFECT KITCHEN & BAR Stone Church Road E, Stoney Creek |
Face Coverings By-law | As Operator, failed to ask person not wearing a Face Covering to leave Establishment |
| 12-Dec-20 | CAUSE AND EFFECT KITCHEN & BAR Stone Church Road E, Stoney Creek |
Face Coverings By-law | As Operator, failed to ensure person working in Establishment wears Face Covering |
| 11-Dec-20 | JUG CITY Upper Gage Ave, Hamilton |
Face Coverings By-law | As Operator, failed to ensure person working in Establishment wears Face Covering |
| 5-Dec-20 | LA LUNA Concession Street, Hamilton |
Reopening Ontario Act | Fail to comply with a continued section 7.0.2 order; Exceed capacity limits |
| 5-Dec-20 | STACKED PANCAKE & BREAKFAST HOUSE Wilson Street West, Ancaster |
Reopening Ontario Act | Fail to comply with a continued section 7.0.2 order; Exceed capacity limits |
| 3-Dec-20 | THE DREAM CENTRE Innovation Drive, Flamborough |
Reopening Ontario Act | Fail to comply with a continued section 7.0.2 order; Exceed capacity limits for indoor sports facility |
| 1-Dec-20 | EMPIRE HAIR PALACE King Street East, Hamilton |
Face Coverings By-law | As Operator, failed to ask person not wearing a Face Covering to leave establishment |
| 28-Nov-20 | GALLEY PUMP TAVERN Wentworth Street North, Hamilton |
Reopening Ontario Act | Fail to comply with a continued section 7.0.2 order; Exceed capacity limits |
| 28-Nov-20 | NOBODY'S PERFECT BAR & GRILL John Street North, Hamilton |
Reopening Ontario Act | Fail to comply with a continued section 7.0.2 order; Operating past permitted hours |
| 28-Nov-20 | FLA CAFÉ & BAR Barton Street East, Hamilton |
Reopening Ontario Act | Fail to comply with a continued section 7.0.2 order; Operating past permitted hours |
| 27-Nov-20 | BIG BEE CONVENIENCE Concession Street, Hamilton |
Reopening Ontario Act | Fail to comply with a continued section 7.0.2 order; Face Coverings violations |
| 26-Nov-20 | DIAMOND BEAUTY AND BARBER Upper James Street, Hamilton |
Face Coverings By-law | As Operator, failed to ensure person working in Establishment wears Face Covering |
| 26-Nov-20 | FIRST BARBER King Street West, Hamilton |
Face Coverings By-law | As Operator, failed to ask person not wearing a Face Covering to leave Establishment |
| 26-Nov-20 | KROWN KAFE Queenston Road, Stoney Creek |
Reopening Ontario Act | Fail to comply with a continued section 7.0.2 order; No COVID-19 Safety Plan |
| 19-Nov-20 | YOUR SHAWARMA Stone Church Road East, Stoney Creek |
Face Coverings By-law | As operator failed to post mandatory Face Covering Sign at entrance of establishment |
| 18-Nov-20 | VILLAGE BARBERS King Street East, Stoney Creek |
Reopening Ontario Act | Fail to comply with a continued section 7.0.2 order; Face Coverings violations |
| 14-Nov-20 | SHISHA KAIF CAFÉ AND HOOKAH BAR Upper James Street, Hamilton |
Reopening Ontario Act | Fail to comply with a continued section 7.0.2 order; No Contact Tracing |
| 14-Nov-20 | FIONN MACCOOL'S Stone Church Road East, Stoney Creek |
Reopening Ontario Act | Fail to comply with a continued section 7.0.2 order; Serve liquor past permitted hours |
| 14-Nov-20 | FIONN MACCOOL'S Stone Church Road East, Stoney Creek |
Reopening Ontario Act | Fail to comply with a continued section 7.0.2 order; Fail to enforce Physical Distancing |
| 13-Nov-20 | THE STOP BAR AND GRILL Barton Street East, Hamilton |
Reopening Ontario Act | Fail to comply with a continued section 7.0.2 order; Face Coverings violations, Fail to enforce Physical Distancing, No Contact Tracing |
| 13-Nov-20 | ALLURE LOUNGE Barton Street East, Hamilton |
Reopening Ontario Act | Fail to comply with a continued section 7.0.2 order; Face Coverings violations, Fail to enforce Physical Distancing |
City of Hamilton COVID-19 Enforcement Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who enforces the Reopening Ontario Act and COVID related By-laws?
The Reopening Ontario Act can be enforced by Hamilton Police or by City of Hamilton By-law Officers. Hamilton Police and By-law Officers are also enforcing the City’s Physical Distancing Bylaw and Face Covering By-law. To report contraventions, contact the City of Hamilton at 905-546-2489 (CITY).
Are City By-law Officers still responding to non-COVID related complaints?
It is important to note that while Licensing and Bylaw Services have prioritized COVID-19 related calls, they continue to respond to issues related to other City by-laws. This includes Vital Services, Vacant Buildings, Licensing, Illegal Dumping, emergency Property Standards matters, as well as the illegal cutting of trees.
Who is responsible for enforcement if a business is in violation of the Provincial Order?
Hamilton Police and By-law Officers. If residents suspect noncompliance of a business, they can report it by contacting 905-546-2489 (CITY).
Are face coverings required in condominiums?
Yes. Face Coverings are required in all lobbies, elevators, meeting rooms or other common use facilities.
What if there is a concern regarding a business not following proper hygiene?
The City’s Public Health Inspectors are responsible for enforcing proper hygiene and public health practices at restaurants, stores, etc. If you suspect that a business is not following proper hygiene, such as food handling or cleaning, call the Public Health COVID-19 hotline at 905-974-9848 or email [email protected]
How do you report suspected price gouging by a business?
Suspected price gouging can be reported through the Provincial hotline at 1-800-889-9768.
If there are people who have returned from travel that are not self-isolating, how is this reported?
Failure to self-isolate could be an offence under the Quarantine Act of Canada. Enforcement is the responsibility of the federal Quarantine Officer identified under the Act. Until that person is identified by the Federal Government and directs the police to assist after they have determined there is a violation under the Act, the Police have no authority to act.
If there are people who have tested positive for COVID-19 who are not doing the mandatory quarantine who do they report this to?
A person who has an active case of COVID-19 that is not adhering to isolation protocols can be reported to the Public Health COVID-19 hotline at 905- 974-9848 or by emailing [email protected]
Are restaurants permitted to be open to the public?
No. On December 21, 2020, the City of Hamilton entered the Grey – Lockdown category within the Provincial COVID-19 Response Framework. Under the Grey category, indoor and outdoor service at restaurants, bars and food/drink establishments is not permitted. Take-out, drive-through and delivery are permitted.
Are food courts open in the mall?
No, all seating in food courts are closed. Restaurants can remain open for take out and delivery.
Are gyms permitted to be open to the public?
No. On December 21, 2020, the City of Hamilton entered the Grey – Lockdown category within the Provincial COVID-19 Response Framework. Under the Grey category, facilities for indoor or outdoor sports and recreational fitness activities are closed except for:
- The sole use of high performance athletes including parasport athletes, and specified professional leagues (for example, NHL, CFL, MLS, NBA)
- Specified purposes (for example, day camps, child care)
Do I have to wear a face covering while in line outside of an establishment?
Yes.
No person may be permitted to line up or congregate outside of the establishment unless they are maintaining physical distancing of at least 2 metres and wearing a face covering.
Face covering is not required if you have an exemption.
Are personal hair salons, barbershops, spas open to the public?
No. On December 21, 2020, the City of Hamilton entered the Grey – Lockdown category within the Provincial COVID-19 Response Framework. Under the Grey category, personal care services are closed.
Can pools/hot tubs remain open in Apartment buildings?
Yes.
- Date modified: