The Medicine Hat Police Service Downtown Patrol Unit poses for a photo in the pedestrian tunnel that goes under the tracks.--SUBMITTED PHOTO
cgallant@medicinehatnews.com@CollinGallant
City police are still determining how provincial health orders apply in certain situations, as they came into effect on Friday.
The overall strategy is to take an “educational approach” rather than strict enforcement when possible, said Insp. Brent Secondiak.
“If we do speak with people the goal is to gain compliance through a conversation,” he told the News.
That was outlined in an operational memo that was sent to patrol sections Wednesday, one day after the province announced increased health regulations to combat the spread of coronavirus.
They state that households cannot host any social gathering indoors with outsiders, and similarly members of different households can not eat together at restaurants, while most businesses are reduced to one quarter their capacity.
Police could also intervene if more than 10 people are gathered outdoors.
However, the Medicine Hat Police Service is still waiting for clarification on several matters that will be enforced by police and health inspectors throughout the province.
Secondiak said official word on how to apply exceptions hadn’t arrived Thursday.
Officers will not be responsible for determining fine amounts that could range from $1,000 to $100,000. Any tickets issued include a mandatory court appearance and fines would be determined by a judge, said Secondiak.
The local department did not issue a single ticket since the pandemic measures were first imposed last spring, and Secondiak said Thursday, only one or two public complaints had been received about stepped-up measures announced on Tuesday.
Fire capacity defined
Local fire inspectors are clarifying fire capacity for business owners that now face restrictions on how many people they can welcome.
Most businesses can remain in operation, either to the general public or by appointment only, depending on definitions released by the government.
But all non-essential businesses can only allow gatherings of people up to 25 per cent of fire capacity.
That rating is determined by fire inspectors and is typically posted near a business licence.
For those without a defined number, business owners and managers can determine their own rating by calculating one person for every 3.7 square metres, which equates to about 40 square feet.
For example, a 500-square-foot space would typically have a capacity of 12 people, and that figure is reduced to three under the current order.
They reiterate that it is the owner or operator’s responsibility to ensure all health restrictions, including the two-metre rule, are observed.
City facilities
The Esplanade Theatre has cancelled or postponed shows through Dec. 15 to comply with provincial orders barring performances while the facility’s museum and other city rec centres will meet lower operating capacity rules, the city announced late Thursday.
The Hockey Hounds arena and Co-op Place are now closed to the public for the duration of the health orders that took effect Friday, as is the Moose Rec Centre, which officials state will not reopen this winter season.
Pre-registration is required for public skating, swimming and fitness classes, a driving range in the FLC Fieldhouse, all of which will proceed at one-quarter capacity.
The city’s recreation department states public skating times will be added at the Kinplex, with more information soon on the city’s website. As well, it reminds residents that trails, outdoor parks, dog parks and toboggan hills are open but subject to a limit of no more than 10 people in gatherings.
Ticket holders for two planned shows at the Esplanade will be informed soon about the changes and potential refunds.
