City working with protestors to adhere to COVID-19 restrictions

Hamilton, ON – City officials are working with protestors outside of City Hall to encourage them to express their views in a way that adheres to provincial COVID-19 safety orders.

Earlier today, approximately 75 demonstrators congregated at Hamilton City Hall to express their views on City policing and budgeting issues. The demonstration, which also saw generators, tents, and outdoor lighting brought to City Hall, was nearly triple the number of people allowed to assemble in one place under provincial pandemic orders.

City Bylaw officers are encouraging demonstrators to reduce their numbers to 25 or less to meet provincial orders and adhere to physical distancing rules. If the number of demonstrators does not fall to 25 or less, the City will take appropriate enforcement measures, which can include issuing fines.

City officials will also be reminding demonstrators that it is unlawful to camp in front of City Hall at any time and that anyone who may attempt to camp outside City Hall will be asked to leave. Similar measures were recently taken at a Hugs Over Masks event that took place in front of City Hall earlier this month.

The City continues to enforce a number of COVID-19 related By-laws and Provincial Regulations, namely the Physical Distancing Bylaw, the Mask Bylaw and the ROA.

Hamilton recently entered the “Red- control” category of the provincial COVID-19 Response Framework.