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BPS Lay Multiple Charges After Large Gatherings

Apr 7, 2021

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. Additionally, further restrictions were announced today to advise of a Province-wide Emergency Stay-at-Home Order, effective April 8, 12:01 a.m. The Province has implemented these restrictions in an effort to mitigate impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
 
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.
 
On April 2, 2021, the Brantford Police Service monitored and attended a gathering outside the John Noble Home, Mt. Pleasant Street as well as, on April 3, 2021, a large gathering at the corner of Wayne Gretzky Parkway and Henry Street.
 
Organizers have been identified by officers and 12 breaches of the Provincial Reopening Act were issued following the event. The charges laid were for Failing to Comply with a Continued 7.0.2 Order. The investigation is ongoing. Additional charges may result.
 
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. Police will issue tickets and summonses to individuals when there is evidence of non-compliance of the provincial orders.
 
BPS encourage 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 all of our communities.
 
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 and Emergency Stay-at-Home Orders during this pandemic. We appreciate the public’s ongoing support of these measures.
                                                                                                  
Public Safety in Partnership with the Community