Brickbat: The Ball's in Their Court

Code enforcement officers in Ottawa, Canada, gave William Vogelsang, 17, a ticket for more than $700 ($500 U.S.) for shooting hoops by himself in a city park. The city has closed the basketball courts to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Vogelsang tried to explain that he thought they were closed only to groups. The officers not only ticketed him, but when he couldn't produce ID they called the police to help confirm is identity.

Comments

[Adans smith]

The job of a code enforcement officer is to
justify their existence and raise revenue.

I

[Real Books]

Is it OK if I sit at my kitchen table and deal solitaire? With the doors closed? No code violations?

[Longtobefree]

Only if you are wearing a mask and gloves, and change both at two hour intervals.

[Fist of Etiquette]

The true north, strong and free.

[darkflame]

if the plague was as bad as they say, do you really think the tax collectors would be out and about harassing people?

[Ride 'Em]

And they are doing it in groups apparently.

[Nail]

They’re heroes on the frontlines. This guy should’ve accepted the ticket with a smile and thanked them for their bravery.

[D-Pizzle]

A married couple in a fairly rural town near me was ticketed for walking outside together, with no one else around, while not "maintaining the proper social distance" or wearing face coverings. Covid has been a boon to the world's petty tyrants (and not-so-petty tyrants as well, of course).

[GroundTruth]

What state was that? I need to put it on my "don't go there list".

[Quo Usque Tandem]

Alex I'll take New Jersey for $700

[Rich]

"A warning would have been sufficient to scare William off," said [his father], who has lodged a complaint with the city.

"That's what they *all* say," replied the city.

[Rich]

"Anyway, we need the money. Coronavirus. You understand."

[Unicorn Abattoir]

Should have challenged the code enforcement officers to a game of horse. (Or moose, if that's the Canadian version)

[Brandybuck]

Ottowa, such a warm fuzzy progressive town. And Canadian too! Which means they apologize when they take away your rights.

[technology]

yes sure