Aylmer police have said charges will be laid accordingly after a local church violated provincial lockdown orders during a drive-in service on Sunday.
Video posted to Church of God pastor Henry Hildebrandt's YouTube channel shows dozens of maskless people at the morning service leaving their vehicles and going inside the John Street church.
"If you can't stay in your vehicle this morning. If you just can't do it, Biblically I cannot forbid you. So do whatever want," said a fired up Hildebrandt. "I am absolutely willing to take a ticket for you."
The parishioners then get out of their vehicles as Hildebrandt rushes into the crowd, hugging some. He continues on with his sermon before inviting those in attendance inside the church.
"How about we just do a little tour. Come on inside and see what it looks like," Hildebrandt said in the video. "We are not having service. We are just touring"
The group of roughly 75 people file into the church, many sitting in pews. Hildebrandt then leads them in a prayer before they sing Joy to the World. The group was inside of the church for approximately ten minutes before the video comes to an end.
Under provincial lockdown measures that have been in place since December 26, religious services are capped at ten people, where physical distancing can be maintained. Drive-in services are allowed but are subject to certain conditions.
Aylmer police confirmed Monday it is aware of what transpired at the church and are reviewing evidence of violations of Ontario's emergency orders. Officers are working to identify individuals who participated and violated the orders.
"Community safety and well being and enforcement of laws is our top priority during this global pandemic," said Police Chief Zvonko Horvat. "Aylmer Police are asking the citizens to exercise patience as we sift through the evidence and lay appropriate charges during the latest blatant violation of the emergency orders by this particular group. Irresponsible actions of those involved will not be tolerated.”
Horvat added that police will also be getting input from Southwestern Public Health, the region's health unit, on how to develop "mitigating strategies specific to this group" to reduce the risk of exposure and harm within the community.
Sunday's service is not the first time the church and its pastor have been defiant of COVID-19 restrictions. Hildebrandt has spoken at several anti-lockdown rallies and has previously been charged under the Reopening Ontario Act for violations of public health measures aimed at stopping the spread of the virus.