Dozens of tickets, warnings issued during COVID-19 inspections in Niagara Region

Regional bylaw officers have conducted 251 inspections of businesses across Niagara between Sept. 18 and Nov. 28, resulting in 32 Part I Provincial Offence tickets, which carry a fine of $750, and three Part III summonsbeing issued for infractions under the Reopening Ontario Act.

Officers also issued 48 formal warnings and conducted 178 "educational conversations" during the inspections at bars, restaurants, retail locations and others.

According to a news release from the region, these inspections are in addition to those conducted by local area municipal bylaw offices.

Since March, Niagara Region has redeployed staff to assist with the enforcement of the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act and the Reopening Ontario Act, and Niagara Region's Face-Covering Bylaw.

"To date, the vast majority of Niagara residents and businesses are diligently implementing provincial regulations to keep our community safe," the news release states.

Residents are able to submit complaints regarding inadequate COVID-19 measures by contacting their local municipality's by-law office, or calling Niagara Region's dispatch line after hours at 905-984-3690 or 1-877-552-5579.

Provincial education and enforcement campaign

Meanwhile, Niagara Region is also partnering with a provincial multi-ministry team in a three-day education and enforcement campaign across Niagara.

From Dec. 14-16, provincial offences officers will visit hundreds of local businesses, to provide guidance on how to operate safely and comply with COVID-19 prevention requirements outlined in the Reopening Ontario Act.

Under the province's new COVID-19 Response Framework, certain businesses and establishments are required to develop a COVID-19 safety planfor their workplace.

Officers will be asking employers to produce their safety plans and will provide feedback and direction on them.

Similar campaigns have resulted in visits to more than 1,000 businesses in other communities across Ontario.