Niagara police tell Thorold News they are investigating a 100-car ‘Corona Cruise’ that rolled through Port Colborne this weekend - but the organizers defend the event.
It was on Saturday that car enthusiasts gathered in large numbers outside the McDonalds near Brock University, for an organized drive that made its way to Port Colborne, when it caught the attention of officers.
“Jett”, the founder of Car Scene Niagara, a group of motor enthusiasts, say that police dispatched to Port Colborne approached the drivers to inquire about the situation, but let the caravan continue on after being told drivers were to stay in their cars as per the guidelines of the organizers.
“Driver's were 100% required to stay in their cars for the entire duration of the cruise. Everyone was very respectful of this and stayed in their cars. I made it clear that we do not tolerate anyone not social distancing and they will be asked to leave and never return if rules are not followed,” Jett wrote in an email.
Niagara Regional Police told Thorold News that officers are ‘looking into the matter further, as well as accompanying compliance issues.’
“These are not condoned activities as per current provincial Emergency Orders Pertaining to limiting the spread of COVID-19.
We are aware that some people may choose to go for a drive as a way to get out of their home for a period. It is recommended that travel be limited for essential purposes. To date, fines have not been issued for those activities. We continue to work with our municipal partners and bylaw in the enforcement of emergency orders for the protection and safety of our community,” a statement read.
While no fines have been issued, the event has drawn fierce online criticism in several well-visited comment sections across Niagara.
On the question whether the group anticipated the backlash, the organizer Jett said:
“There is always a potential for backlash with any car events hosted, even outside of this pandemic. People will simply call in to report the noise some of these cars come with straight from the manufacturer and title it as "Unnecessary Noise,” said Jett in an email, adding that he is involved in helping deliver groceries through his passion for driving through another car crew.
The province recently prolonged the emergency order currently regulating gatherings larger than 5 due to the stringent guidelines on social distancing.
