The continued success of Pokemon Go is becoming a positive for local businesses, but some establishments are asking players to “catch ‘em all” somewhere else.
Stevenson Memorial Hospital in Alliston has become a popular spot for gamers. The hospital is one of many Pokestops in the town, and by using in game items, players can lure Pokemon to the spot.
Hospital officials are concerned that an increase of people on the grounds is a safety concern.
"With any increased activity in and around the hospital even in the hospital that does propose some safety challenges for our patients,” said Carrie Jeffreys, VP of clinical and paramedical services. “Even in the parking lot or on the grounds, there's always a safety risk with ambulances coming in and out.”
The hospital says the game is great for getting people out and being active, they just want players to do it somewhere safer.
“This is great. People are getting out and being active and increasing their physical activity from a public health perspective,” says hospital spokesperson Jared Nolan. “It’s just balancing that with the needs of our patients.”
The Canadian Armed Forces are warning Pokemon Go players – both in and out of uniform – not to search for Pocket Monsters on military property.
A spokesperson said military police have reported "Pokemon Go occurrences" at CFB Borden and two other military bases,
"A Pokemon Go player found on a defence installation who is not authorized to be there could face sanctions including a warning, a citation and fine, or arrest and prosecution."
The Barrie and Innisfil public libraries however are encouraging people to come out and catch Pokemon. The Barrie Public Library tweeted out earlier this week a photo of a “brag board” players are using to indicate which monsters they have captured.
Our staff members are so talented! Check out our #PokemonGO brag board and mark all the #Pokemon you catch here! pic.twitter.com/WgPgPzj1sE
— BarriePublicLibrary (@BPL_inthecity) July 25, 2016
OMG! Games in Barrie is actually seeing a spike not just in customers, but in revenue. The store is a Pokestop and is attracting player
“It’s generating customers and revenue from people I’ve never seen before,” says manager Matt Lelievre. “They come in looking for the Pokestop and they see what I have to offer here and they maybe buy a board game; maybe some Pokemon cards.”
Even the Toronto Zoo and Canada’s Wonderland are trying to take advantage of the Pokemon Go craze.
Here's a map of Pokegyms and Pokestops at the Zoo with a few you'll need to find for yourself �� #PokeTOZoo pic.twitter.com/JtwHSGBXmi
— The Toronto Zoo (@TheTorontoZoo) July 16, 2016
The Barrie waterfront and MacLaren Arts Centre continue to be the hotspot for players. However, trainers are asked to respect the grounds and to not litter.
Police and Pokemon Go
The game has had emergency responders all over the region dealing with close calls. In Newmarket on Monday, a woman was charged with shooting a pellet gun at a crowd of players.
On Tuesday in Innisfil, a woman who was playing the game in a parking lot said she was almost hit by a car that was being driven by a man who was also playing the game.
"Again be aware of your surroundings, and that person who was driving the car while playing Pokemon Go, that's a dangerous thing to do," says South Simcoe Police Const. Rich Williamson.
Williamson says people should always be aware of their surroundings and to never play the game or be on your phone while driving.
