Saanich Police Department has yet to issue any COVID-19 Related Measures Act (CRMA) fines despite a large party Aug. 22.
Police were called just after 9 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 22 to shut down a large Saturday night party in Gyro Park with more than 100 attendees and a DJ.
Const. Markus Anastasiades, public information officer for the Saanich police, said the event appeared to be a birthday party and was “in the process of disbanding” when officers arrived.
READ ALSO: VicPD issues $2,300 violation ticket to host of large party in one-bedroom suite
READ ALSO: B.C. imposes $2,000 fines for uncontrolled party organizers
While the Saanich Police Department has yet to issue any CRMA tickets, their colleagues in Victoria have.
On Aug. 21 – just hours after the province authorized the fines for those who violate COVID-19 safety orders – VicPD issued a $2,300 CMRA ticket after a man ignored warnings to shut down a party in his one-bedroom apartment on Fort Street.
Anastasiades is hopeful that the incident in Victoria serves as a warning that police have the option to issue hefty fines. He added that aside from a few incidents, there haven’t been many large gatherings in Saanich and that for the most part, residents are complying with the provincial health officer’s safety orders.
READ ALSO: Police break up large gathering of about 100 youth in Saanich neighbourhood
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