Despite repeated requests from Delta police and Surrey RCMP to celebrate Canucks’ victories on Scott Road and 72nd in a safe and socially-distanced manner, several fans are not getting the message.
RCMP said a number of fans celebrating the team’s win on Friday night chose to ignore physical distancing requirements when upwards of 1,000 people gathered at the corner of Scott Road and 72nd Avenue.
“Canucks fans who gathered in large groups without masks on Friday night should consider this to be their warning,” said Sgt. Roger Green of the Surrey COVID-19 Compliance and Enforcement Team. “The public and the police are not happy with the disregard for physical distancing and expect you do to better for the sake of your families, yourselves, and your fellow residents.”
RCMP and DPD were in attendance, however, due to the size of the crowd, their focus was on pedestrian and traffic safety, said RCMP.
A total of seven violation tickets were issued for seat belt violations as a result of occupants hanging out of windows or sunroofs.
RCMP and DPD will be present at 72nd Ave. and Scott Road following each Canucks playoff game to ensure the safety of celebrants, drivers and pedestrians in the area.
“We are asking everyone to ensure that they are complying with COVID-19 public health orders while celebrating – this including no congregations of more than 50 people in one area, and maintaining physical distancing,” said Green.
In addition to the incidents Friday night, RCMP issued four violation tickets during the weekend to businesses and event organizers following repeated contraventions of the provincial health officer’s COVID-19 orders.
Following the Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General’s announcement on Friday of new fines for non-compliance with COVID-19 health orders, the Surrey COVID-19 Compliance and Enforcement Team (CCET) issued $2,300 fines to one restaurant, two event/banquet spaces, and one after hour’s club on Aug. 23. Each of these places had been subject to previous warnings by CCET.
CCET conducted a total of 429 checks on Saturday and Sunday at various businesses, event spaces, and faith-based institutions, with 425 of those in compliance with provincial health orders.
Since March 2020, CCET has been proactively conducting outreach around Surrey to ensure that residents, business owners and organizations understand their obligations to stop the spread of COVID-10 by following health orders. CCET, which is made up of Surrey RCMP officers and City of Surrey bylaw officers, conducts approximately 60 proactive compliance checks each day, as well as responding to calls for service.
Residents wishing to report a violation of a COVID-19 public health order should contact the City of Surrey Bylaw call centre at 604-591-4370 or the Surrey RCMP non-emergency line at 604-599-0502.
