City doing its part to curb protests, mayor tells critics
Police are at all anti-mask rallies gathering evidence and information
Despite what some may be hearing, said Mayor Drew Dilkens, the City of Windsor has been taking enforcement actions against protesters who violate gathering rules — and will continue to do so under the province's new stay-at-home order.
In a municipal Zoom meeting on Thursday, Dilkens acknowledged questions from the community and social media criticism about demonstrations such as “the anti-mask rallies that you see at the waterfront.”
“Police have not been ignoring that situation.” Contrary to a narrative that's being put out by some in the community, said Dilkens, "police have been actively engaged at every one of those rallies — documenting, taking evidence.
“What you may or may not see ... is that behind the scenes, summonses are being issued to people who are being identified either as organizers or participants of the event.”
Dilkens said the additional measures of the Reopening Ontario Act — which came into effect at 12:01 a.m. Thursday — authorize further enforcement.
This includes local police organizations, such as the Windsor Police Service, but also all provincial offences officers and municipal bylaw officers.
The enhanced enforcement abilities also extend to certain members of the city's building department and the fire department, said City of Windsor solicitor Shelby Askin-hager.
Just after midnight on Thursday morning, a protest vigil was held at the Essex County war memorial cenotaph in City Hall Square with more than five attendees.
The group said it was defying the rules for the sake of “freedom” and human rights.
Later Thursday, Windsor police said four people at the event had been identified and will be issued summonses to appear in court for their involvement.
“We want the community to be aware that persons attending these demonstrations, and organizers of such events where regulations under the Reopening Ontario Act are being contravened, may be subject to a police investigation and charges,” Windsor police said in a statement.
Anyone with information about similar violations is asked and encouraged to call Windsor police at 519-255-6700, ext. 4000.
You can also contact Crime Stoppers anonymously at 519258-8477 (online at www.catchcrooks.com).
Dilkens said he knows Windsor police must find a balance, “to make sure that they're not putting officers in harm's way, while also trying to effect compliance with the existing rules.”
The mayor said concerned citizens should not expect Windsor police to confront such events with “shields and a battering ram.”
However he said the rules must be followed.
“I can assure you ... these people will have to attend court and answer to a justice of the peace,” Dilkens said.
“Police will take appropriate action, and are taking appropriate action in these circumstances.
“You will see more enforcement at events just like this.”
Windsor police also issued a statement clarifying their role when it comes to enforcement of the new stay-at-home order.
Under the additional measures, officers can order anyone attending a prohibited public event to leave.
Officers are also authorized to order the temporary closure of a location if they believe an organized public event or gathering is happening there, and that the number of people attending exceeds the current limits: Five people outdoors.
Indoor gatherings of any size are not allowed at this time.
Police who “have reasonable grounds to believe that an individual has committed an offence” under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act can also “require” the individual to provide their legal name, date of birth, and residential address.
Individuals must “promptly comply” with all three of these new aspects of enforcement, police said.
Violators may be subject to investigation and subsequent receipt of a ticket carrying a fine.
The fines begin at $750.
“The penalties are quite severe,” Dilkens noted.
“I advise everyone to really understand what has changed. The officers certainly have more authority now.”
The Windsor Police Service said its officers will continue to monitor for compliance and take “enforcement actions as necessary under the legislation.”
“Community safety remains our No. 1 priority and officers continue to strike a measured balance between enforcement and overall safety,” Windsor police advised.
“Slowing the spread of COVID -19 will take a community effort in order to keep ourselves and loved ones safe.”