Ban on Gatherings: First Charges Laid
Gatineau, March 25, 2020. – Last night, Service de police de la Ville de Gatineau (SPVG) officers issued their first ticket under the Public Health Act. The $1,000 fine was for a gathering in a residence. Quick facts
● | At around 0:45 a.m., police were called to an apartment building in the Hull sector on a noise complaint. |
● | Upon their arrival, from outside the building, police noticed loud noise coming from inside, and determined that several people were in the unit that was the subject of the complaint. |
● | Officers ascertained that two of the five people present did not live in the unit. |
● | In accordance with its procedures, the officers attempted to approach the situation through information and awareness. However, the individuals in the unit refused to cooperate. |
● | Given their unwillingness to cooperate, the tenant of the unit was fined $200 plus administrative fees for contravening the municipal noise by-law. |
● | In addition, the tenant was fined $1,000 under the Public Health Act for having a gathering in a residence. |
Reminder – the SPVG is enforcing the public health state of emergency
● | The SPVG urges residents to do their part by complying with the Government of Quebec's instructions on health measures, which include a ban on gatherings. It is important to follow the measures imposed, which are evolving day by day. |
● | Even though the SPVG would rather rely on community persuasion, its officers are prepared to use stronger measures when residents refuse to cooperate. |
● | Under the Public Health Act, the police can impose fines ranging from $1,000 to $6,000. |
● | The police maintain their usual powers, and charges laid during an intervention will have the same legal consequences (i.e. criminal offence). |
To report a gathering, call the SPGV at 819-246-0222.
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