District of Squamish bylaw officers and Squamish RCMP will begin patrolling in town to seek voluntary compliance of the two-metre social distancing guidelines.
Because the two-metre distancing is only a recommendation, not an order, the district will seek voluntary compliance with a focus on public education.
“Uniformed officers will patrol the community to converse with groups with the goal of seeking voluntary compliance with this directive,” said Christina Moore, communications manager at the District of Squamish.
District of Squamish has also put posters in town which ask people to maintain the two-metre rule. Moore said they used the word mandatory on posters in the hopes of conveying the right message.
“We have chosen to use the word mandatory because this is the message that leaders like Dr. Bonnie Henry and Minister Dix have conveyed to British Columbians,” said Moore.
“While this isn’t backed by law, we believe it is the right message to convey to residents at this time to demonstrate the seriousness of the situation.”
Meanwhile, district says people can call Squamish RCMP if they see provincial order of social distancing being flouted.
The police can be called at the non-emergency number at 604 892 6100.
“If groups of greater than 50 people are congregating, that is open disregard of the Minister’s Order. The police should be called to enforce,” said Moore.
Moore said people have been calling the Squamish RCMP to report groups that are under 50 as well.
Meanwhile, bylaw officials will continue to address regular complaints, but will give a priority to those that are urgent in nature.
“Non-urgent or nuisance complaints may not be followed up on until COVID-19 transmission concerns have decreased,” district said.