The town of Wainfleet has had to call for extra help from police to get to the bottom of a slew of disturbances plaguing the small community in the sweltering summer heat.
Mayor Kevin Gibson told Thorold News that complaints about public urination on private properties, speeding, public drinking, and trespassing appear to have spiked in recent weeks.
“I think it might be a general ‘pent-upness,’ and higher anxiety levels among people than normal. They are out and letting it go a little bit more than usual. There is a general disregard for other people,” said Gibson.
The town hopes that two paid-duty police officers set to patrol the community over the next few weekends could bring some order back to the streets and beaches, which have also seen a surge in visitors, resulting in parking trouble for the small town.
"We increased our parking fines from $30 to $100 recently and have issued a few tickets there, so hopefully that will help," said Gibson.
He says while the town sees similar issues during the busy season, this year is special.
"I think it speaks for itself, that now is the time, during a pandemic, to be even more kind and respectful to each other."
