Public Advisory - Large Gatherings
On April 1, 2021, the Government of Ontario, in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health, issued an Emergency Brake Shutdown, effective April 3, 2021, 12:01 a.m. This shutdown has been implemented by the Province in an effort to mitigate impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Taking part in large gatherings, including protests and demonstrations, contravenes the Emergency Orders. The Brantford Police Service recognizes the Charter protected right of any group to assemble peacefully in order to draw public attention to a specific cause so long as such a gathering does not breach any applicable statutes or municipal by-laws. Any gathering, regardless of its intended purpose, which is over the legal limit, will merit an appropriate police response in order to enhance community safety concerns.
Large gatherings of more than five people are not permitted under Emergency Orders.
Brantford Police Service is aware of a large gathering planned for the afternoon of Saturday, April 3, 2021 in the area of Henry Street and Wayne Gretzky Parkway. In the interest of public safety, we ask members of the public not to congregate in large gatherings and to avoid the area. Traffic delays or temporary street closures in the area may occur.
As it is our duty to ensure the safety and well-being of the public, officers will de-escalate potential situations, but have the ability to enforce orders related to the shutdown as well as other provincial and federal laws, should this be necessary.
Brantford Police Service continue to work alongside the City of Brantford Bylaw Enforcement and Public Health to attend large gatherings and will take steps to ensure the safety of the community as a whole.
BPS encourages everyone to do their part to support our health care system and workers at this difficult time and minimize the impact of COVID-19 in our community.
BPS continues to provide public safety services to the community we serve and supports the efforts of federal, provincial and local health authorities to limit the transmission of COVID-19, including the government-mandated Emergency Brake Shutdown during this pandemic. We appreciate the public’s ongoing support of these measures.
Public Safety in Partnership with the Community