TORONTO — Officials in Toronto say a popular city park is much less crowded and under control after thousands of people gathered and broke COVID-19 physical distancing rules on Saturday.
Toronto police Chief Mark Saunders said public drinking was a large part of the problem at Trinity Bellwoods Park and it would not be tolerated moving forward.
He said people showed a sense of "entitlement" when they were urinating and defacating in alleyways and near homes in the area.
Police still have not released a tally of how many tickets were issued on Saturday related to physical distancing, but say the focus is still on educating the public.
City spokesperson Brad Ross implored people to take advantage of Toronto's 1,500 parks, rather than crowding at one.
He also said people have to plan ahead if they know facilities like washrooms are still closed.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 24, 2020.
The Canadian Press
