London Mayor Ed Holder didn’t crush words on Monday, describing scofflaw golfers who stumbled upon the links on an enclosed urban golf course as “some of the most ignorant, ruthless people London has”.
Holder’s comments came after a media report early Monday that several people were seen playing golf on the Fanshawe Golf Course over the weekend, even though it was closed to the public due to the province’s pandemic restrictions.
At least three people were observed in the square by a reporter from CTV London on Sunday afternoon. There were more than 20 players on the pitch at a time, according to unconfirmed reports, the outlet reported.
Golf courses and other outdoor recreational facilities such as tennis courts were closed in mid-April as the province had a stricter and longer home stay policy.
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“I understand why people want out. I understand why they want to play golf. But I find this particular activity disrespectful and ignorant, ”Holder said during a scheduled press conference Monday with the Middlesex-London Health Unit.
“Nobody is above the law, and these people know they are breaking the law. You enter the country and violate the provincial emergency laws. “
When asked by a reporter during the briefing for more information about the “Scofflaw Golfers”, Holder replied, “Can I be more specific?… How about ignorance? How about disrespectful? How about a lawbreaker who puts himself above the law? “
“They call them scoffers, and I think of them some of the most ignorant, ruthless people London has.”
City officials are investigating the incident, Holder said, hoping the golfers will be caught and given the “maximum penalty” to make the point clear.
“As much as I would have loved to have golf courses open, if it were up to me, it’s not the legislation of the day. And as a result, we should all be offended by this activity if these people openly do it. “
When asked if there are any plans to publish safety on the city’s courses to prevent others from sneaking onto the fairways, Holder replied, “Yes,” but did not go into detail.
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Global News has asked the London Police Service for a comment.
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COVID-19: 19 additional fees under the Reopening Ontario Act at Tillsonburg Golf Club
Ontario golfers were frustrated with the statewide closings. Some golf courses even opened in protest, including The Bridges at Tillsonburg, just outside London.
On Monday, provincial police announced that 19 participants on the weekend course had been charged with non-compliance with the Ontario Reopening Act. No further information was released.
These are just the latest fees charged in connection with the course over the past week.
The OPP announced Thursday that the course was charged with failure to comply with the closure order. On Saturday, police announced two additional charges against the course and five against patrons.
While the online portal for booking a tee time at The Bridges was closed to the public on Monday, an employee confirmed to Global News that the club was still open.
– With files from Jacquelyn LeBel from Global News
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