FAQ about Enforcement

There is a Provincial Order against organized gatherings of more than 10 people. This Order can be enforced by Hamilton Police or by City of Hamilton By-law Officers. To report an organized gathering that is in violation of this Order, contact the City of Hamilton at 905-546-2489 (CITY).

City of Hamilton By-law Officers continue to use a progressive enforcement approach to help residents understand the requirements of this order. If they do not obtain compliance or there is a repeated offense, fines of up to $750 per individual may be issued, while corporations could face fines up to $500,000.

City parks and trails are open for walking, jogging or biking only, with appropriate physical distancing and without having gatherings of more than 10 people.

People are NOT permitted to use:

• sport fields for playing sports or as a leash free dog park
• park pavilions
• picnic areas

People are NOT permitted to touch the playground equipment or other physical equipment (such as fitness equipment or benches) at any park.

The following locations are closed – even for walking, jogging or biking:

• Escarpment stairs

Failure to comply may result in a fine of $750.  If you are unsure as to whether you can go to a park, please contact the City of Hamilton at 905-546-2489 (CITY)

It is strongly encouraged that people stay home except for essential trips. If going outside, people are encouraged to go for walks just within their neighborhoods and in their local parks.

Yes. Both Chedoke and King Forest Golf Courses are now open to the public.  Residents should be reminded that our golf courses have never been available as a place to go for a walk or as a dog park. Walking in these locations could also be hazardous to residents as there will be ongoing golf games, gas cutting and other turf maintenance machinery on site.

As of June 10, 2020, the following locations are closed: Albion Falls, parking lots associated with some parks, playgrounds.

Using a closed City facility or location, such as Albion Falls, City of Hamilton By-law Officers and Hamilton Police Service have the authority to charge the individual with failing to comply with an emergency order under the Emergency Measures Protection Act and issue a fine of $750.

While Public Health officials have advised that the risk of contamination of parking meters or payment machines is highly improbable, staff are taking extra precautions and will clean touch surfaces on payment machines after each collection. Further intermittent cleaning of off-street parking machines in busier lots will be performed by maintenance staff throughout the day.

Yes. City of Hamilton By-law Officers and Parking Enforcement Officers continue to proactively monitor City facilities and locations that have been ordered closed by the Province. By-law Officers are also responding to 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.

The Province has issued an Order under the Emergency Measures and Civil Protection Act requiring several types of non-essential businesses to close. City of Hamilton Licensing By-law Officers are responsible for enforcing this order. If residents suspect the operation of a non-essential business, they can report it by contacting 905-546-2489 (CITY).

The Province has defined the criteria for operations permitted to remain open during the COVID-19 pandemic. Inquiries should go to the Provincial hotline at 1-888-444-3659.

 The Province’s Order requiring non-essential businesses to close has identified some types of construction sites as essential, but other sites as non-essential.  This information is available by calling the Provincial hotline at 1-888-444-3659. (need revision?)

The City of Hamilton’s Building Division is responsible for enforcing this aspect of the Provincial Order. They will be regularly monitoring construction sites in the city. If you suspect a construction site is operating in contravention of the Provincial Order, please contact 905-546-2489 (CITY).

Common amenity areas in private buildings, such as fitness rooms and swimming pools in condo buildings, are required to be closed. Any use of these types of areas would be a contravention of the Emergency Measures Civil Protection Act. Any complaints will be investigated by the City’s By-law Officers or the Hamilton Police Service. If you suspect a private amenity area is still operating, please contact 905-546-2489 (CITY).

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].

Suspected price gouging can be reported through the Provincial hotline at 1-800-889-9768.

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.

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].