As part of the ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the Provincial emergency declaration, Tecumseh’s By-Law Enforcement Officer and the Tecumseh Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) will be jointly enforcing the Emergency Management and Civil Protections Act (EMCPA). This will include enforcement for no gatherings of more than five people and the required closure of non-essential businesses in the town of Tecumseh.

“The Health Unit advised that community spread of COVID-19 is happening here. Unfortunately some people are still not taking the matter seriously and putting others at risk in the community,” said Gary McNamara, Mayor of Tecumseh. “I am not asking anymore. Stay home. Stop getting together in groups. Keep your distance of 2 metres (6 feet). Don’t ignore the fenced and roped off playground and exercise equipment. We need to stop the spread of this virus in our community.”

Ontario declared a State of Emergency on March 17, 2020 and has extended this Declaration to be in effect until April 14, 2020. The declaration of emergency includes several Orders for the closure of all non-essential businesses and all public facilities and outdoor playground equipment, outdoor exercise equipment, picnic areas, beaches, dog parks, sports fields and all types of courts. While parks, trails and paths remain open in Town for walkthrough access, users are reminded that they must maintain a safe physical distance of at least 2 metres (6 feet) apart.

The declaration of emergency under the EMCPA gives the police and municipal by-law enforcement authority to issue fines to individuals or businesses that are not abiding by the Act.

“The Town will take a measured approach to enforcement, relying on the OPP strategy of discretion and public education before resorting to use of authorities and fines,” said Marg Misek-Evans, Chief Administrative Officer. “Compliance is critical to planking the curve.”

“We are working closely with the OPP on this matter for the health and safety of our community,” said Brian Hillman, Director Building and Planning Services. “Our By-law Officer has been out in the community already, visiting areas of known gatherings, checking sites and addressing instances where we are not seeing compliance with Emergency Orders.”

As this situation is constantly changing with updated messages from the federal and provincial  governments, the Town will continue to provide ongoing updates on further decisions. All updates will be posted to our website and users may register for regular updates using the online subscription service.

For the most up-to-date information on COVID-19, we encourage you to visit the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit; Travel Advisories; Health Canada; and, the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care. Information on this and all Town of Tecumseh news and events is available at www.tecumseh.ca, Twitter (@TownofTecumseh), and Facebook (Town of Tecumseh).

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Media Contacts:

Margaret Misek-Evans                                     Brian Hillman  

Chief Administrative Officer                              Director Planning and Building Services

519-735-2184 Ext. 111                                    519-735-2184 Ext. 131