FAQ about Enforcement

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).

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.

Hamilton Police and By-law Officers. If residents suspect noncompliance of a business, they can report it by contacting 905-546-2489 (CITY).

Yes. Face Coverings are required in all lobbies, elevators, meeting rooms or other common use facilities.

 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]

Yes. Restaurants are permitted to be open for indoor dining, with a 10 person capacity and 4 people per table. Face coverings are required indoors except while eating/drinking. Restaurants must close at 10 pm, except for takeout. Dancing, singing and live performances of music are prohibited.

Yes. In person shopping is permitted, with capacity limits of 50%. Active screening of patrons is required prior to entering the indoor mall.

Yes.

• There is a requirement for 3 metres distancing between individuals participating in fitness or exercise classes.
• There is a requirement of 2 metres distancing for all other areas.
• The total number of members of the public permitted to be in all indoor classes, organized programs and organized activities at the facility at any one time cannot exceed 10 persons indoors.
• If the facility has an area with weights, 10 people in total are permitted in that area with a minimum of 3 metres physical distance between them.
• If the facility provides indoor classes, programs, activities AND also has one or more areas containing weights or exercise machines, the total number of members of the public permitted in the entire facility must not exceed 20 people at any one time.
• Locker rooms are closed except for washrooms, storage and first aid.
• Equipment must be washed and disinfected between each use.

Yes. The capacity limit is 10 persons in respect of each room that is physically separated from other rooms in the facility.

Yes.  However, services that require the removal of a face covering is not permitted.

No, with the exception of drive-ins.

There is a 30% capacity limit for indoor religious services, wedding or funeral ceremonies and a limit of 100 people outdoors. Social gatherings such as wedding or funeral receptions are limited to a maximum of 10 people indoors and 25 people outdoors.

Yes, every person on the premises of a business that is open must wear a mask or face covering that covers their mouth, nose and chin during any period in which they are in an indoor area of the premises. In addition, every person must wear a mask or face covering whenever they are attending an organized public event or gathering and within two metres of another individual who is not part of their household.

The fine amount is $750.