Golfers Continue to Tee Off at Bridges At Tillsonburg With No Repercussions

Wednesday, 28 April 2021 15:02

Dr. Joyce Lock states: "We do work with our internal staff and with our external enforcement partners, we tend to use progressive enforcement techniques, escalating as needed."

TILLSONBURG - The Bridges at Tillsonburg continues to operate despite Provincial rules stating they need to be closed.

Golfers have been hitting the links since Saturday and the course is continuing to book tee times. To date, no fines have been handed out to the course by the OPP or by-law officers.

In an email to heart FM on Monday, OPP Constable Patti Cote says the OPP's focus continues to be on public safety.

"I understand the interest in the weekend events, however the primary focus for the OPP is public safety. As I mentioned previously, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is doing its part to support the Government of Ontario’s health emergency declaration to limit the transmission of the COVID-19 virus, and expects the public including business owners to follow the legislation and the direction of public health officials. It is important for the public to understand there are consequences for individuals who choose to defy the Acts while emergency orders are in force."

During the weekly zoom conference with Southwestern Public Health, our local medical officer of Health Dr. Joyce Lock was asked about the course being open and what message it sends to other businesses. Dr. Lock says they are asking all business owners to continue to follow the rules.

"We do encourage all of our citizens to abide by the rules, the rules are being put in place for a reason, it is for the common good. We have been receiving patients locally from ICU's and hospitals elsewhere because of the significant numbers of cases in wave 2. We do know the variants of concern are much more transmissible and so it's all the more important to stay apart."

Dr. Lock says we did find last summer that the outdoors is one of the safest places you can be.

"But we do with the increase transmissibility, we really do need people to stay apart and as much as you may possibly be apart on the golf course, inevitably you are going to socializing at moments when you cross with other players and in the parking lot. We do encourage both citizens and businesses to continue to do your part."

Dr. Lock says we all want to get out of this lockdown and the best we can do that is by following the rules. Dr. Lock was asked specifically if the Health Unit would be enforcing the rules at Bridges At Tillsonburg.

"We do work with our internal staff and with our external enforcement partners, we tend to use progressive enforcement techniques, escalating as needed."

Meanwhile lobbying groups have been calling on the Government to reverse the decision to close golf courses. Brantford council actually just passed a motion calling on the Premier to reconsider with a 9-2 vote.