Hamilton Police and Hamilton By-Law handed out 14 tickets under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act to a group assembled at the corner of Bay Street South and Main Street West.

On January 19, 2021, around 5:00 p.m., a group of 18 individuals assembled at City Hall. The group were not wearing masks or social distancing and refused to disperse when requested. Made up of individuals from across Ontario, the group has held similar events in other jurisdictions and has planned further demonstrations in Woodstock and London.

Fourteen adults were issued tickets under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act section 7.0.11(1), which carries a fine of $880. None of the individuals who received tickets were homeless.

Hamilton Police have laid 27 charges since the stay-at-home order came into effect on Thursday, January 14, 2021. Hamilton residents have been largely compliant with the current restrictions.

Hamilton Police are reminding the public that participation in such events could lead to charges pursuant to the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act. The stay-at-home order requires individuals to stay at home except for essential purposes.

Residents should stay at home, maintain a two metre distance from others, wear a mask when physical distancing is not possible, wash hands frequently with soap and water and cover coughs and sneezes with your sleeve or tissue to help stop the spread of COVID-19.