A 32-year-old Wallaceburg woman accused of organizing a "Freedom Group" rally in Chatham over the weekend has been charged under Ontario's Reopening Ontario Act.
Chatham-Kent police said they teamed up with the Municipality of Chatham-Kent By-Law Enforcement to investigate the event, which included a rally in Tecumseh Park and a march through the downtown core on Saturday, and confirmed that the number of attendees at the event exceeded the numbers permitted for an outdoor gathering.
As a result, a 32-year-old Wallaceburg woman was issued a Provincial Offences Act Summons for failing to comply with a continued section 7.0.2 order as per Ontario Regulation 364/20, of the Reopening Ontario Act, 2020, section 10.1(1).
If she is convicted, the fine for the offence is at least $10,000 and up to $100,000 -- it could also include a sentence of up to one year in jail.
The accused is set to appear in court on January 6, 2021 to answer to the charge.
CKPS Chief Gary Conn, who warned last week that police would be cracking down on the enforcement of COVID-19 safety protocols, also released a statement in connection with the charge.
"During these difficult and challenging times those jeopardizing public safety and contradicting the law will be held accountable by the courts," said Conn. "The law is clear and requires responsible action."
Charges have been laid against organizers of similar rallies that have been taking place across the province recently, including one that drew about 200 people to Victoria Park in London on the weekend.