Calgary officials issued 140 physical distancing warnings last weekend

It was a busy weekend for Calgary’s Community Standards officers.

They’re the ones responsible for ensuring that Calgarians are abiding by physical distancing requirements in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, and while a release from the City of Calgary states that they saw an improvement in busier park spaces, they still had to issue 140 warnings over the past weekend.

According to the release, the warnings resulted in a total of nine tickets. Three carried the fine of $1,200 for not following physical distancing requirements in Lindsay Park and refusing to separate, three were for $400 to adults using a skatepark, and three were for $120 for people drinking in a public space.

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“Giving out tickets is always a last resort,” said Calgary Emergency Management Agency Deputy Chief Sue Henry in the release.

“We need Calgarians to understand the seriousness of following the public health order by respecting physical distance requirements. It’s really up to you to do your part to stop the spread of COVID-19.”

The warnings and tickets were the result of 362 patrols made by Calgary Community Standards officers who, alongside City of Calgary Parks’ ambassadors, are out and about in the city to offer education for citizens about how to enjoy the spring weather responsibly.

The release also noted that 311 had received 1,515 calls related to coronavirus since Friday, 338 of which being related to physical distancing concerns.

A total of 164 service requests were dispatched as a result, including 58 calls about physical distancing concerns in public spaces, 34 for private yards or areas, 38 about playground use, and 34 reporting gatherings of less than 14 people who were not abiding by physical distancing measures.

Two businesses were also issued warnings after Business License saw 40 calls from concerned citizens.

Anyone with concerns to report can either call 311 or submit a request at the City of Calgary’s website.