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By Caden Fanshaw

MASK OFF

Hart Ski Hill forced to call RCMP after man refuses to wear face mask

Jan 5, 2021 | 4:28 PM

PRINCE GEORGE – New Years Day was filled with celebrations at the Hart Ski Hill, well mostly.

General Manager Jessie Koppe says 95% of those who frequent the ski hill follow the rules, although the remaining 5% are the ones causing issues.

“We did end up having a gentleman who refused to wear his mask, and refused to leave the property when we asked him to, so we had to call the RCMP,” says Koppe.

Koppe says the man wasn’t a teenager either, typically the most problematic age group for mask-wearing, instead it was a 45-year-old man with his two kids making a fuss.

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The man ended up leaving the ski hill when he eventually found out police were called, no fine was needed from RCMP.

Feeding into an on-going theme for RCMP in Prince George who say they have only handed out four tickets for COVID-related violations since March.

Cst. Jennifer Cooper with the PG RCMP says two of the tickets were associated with American travelers who didn’t quarantine properly, another was the out of control house party near Paddlewheel Park.

Cooper says generally whenever police are called to deal with someone confrontational, they choose to put on a mask or leave the business altogether.

On Dec. 16, 2020, the Province announced enhanced enforcement measures to keep British Columbians safe and mitigate the impacts of COVID-19.

This included strengthening COVID-19 fine-collection measures and asking provincial enforcement officers to actively support police and increase enforcement by issuing violation tickets as appropriate during their normal course of duties or when in public places.

“Most British Columbians are following public health orders, and that’s what will help us get case numbers back down,” said Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General. “Having said that, we’re continuing to use enforcement and fines for those who insist on putting lives at risk by ignoring orders. We continue to strengthen the tools officials need to keep people safe, and we won’t hesitate to use them.”