Cyclists appear to have back-pedalled on a once-concerning trend of speeding and not keeping their distance from pedestrians on Newmarket’s trails.
According to the June 1 to June 7 bylaw enforcement report, and notes from officers out in the field, cyclists who were monitored over that week were not identified as an issue, a town spokesperson said.
However, calls from citizens about groups of teenagers gathering together in groups larger than five continues to trend upward. But come Friday, June 12 at 12:01 a.m., social gathering limits will bump up to 10 as Ontario moves into its Stage 2 reopening plan.
Teens hanging out in defiance of physical distancing rules and group size were the No. 1 most reported observation noted by Newmarket bylaw enforcers during this same period.
Overall, in the past week, the town saw a general decrease in formal COVID-19 complaints in most categories it tracks, including parks, physical distancing, general inquiries.
Business complaints ticked slightly upward the past three weeks, with the number of calls ringing in this week at 10, as compared to eight and seven in the weeks prior.
The bylaw unit conducted less proactive park patrols the past week at 201, down from 289 the week before. Officers interactions and observations with the public also dropped to 2,614, from 3,648 the week prior.
Education-first remains the approach with regard to the new normal during the coronavirus crisis, with 82 warnings issued through public education and voluntary compliance, and no tickets issued.
Fines under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act start at $750, and can be levied for not keeping six feet apart from others who are not in your household, and gathering in groups over five for the time being.
