A golf course in Tillsonburg says it's shutting down after it reopened against the province's lockdown measures nearly two weeks ago.
The Bridges at Tillsonburg has been fined twice by the Ontario Provincial Police for operating in defiance of the Reopening Ontario Act (ROA).
In a statement on its website, the business said the decision to open was not about making money, but in protest of the "unreasonable measures" put in place by the Ontario government.
"The government has overstepped with its arbitrary and illogical closing of golf courses. Golf is safe. There is overwhelming evidence from the medical community that outdoor activities including golf when conducted with proper protocols are safe but also essential for physical and mental well-being," the statement read.
The golf and country club first opened for business illegally during the weekend of April 24, though the OPP did not report any charges against the business until several days later.
On Saturday, an additional charge was laid to the owners again when it welcomed patrons to the grounds. On Monday, police said 19 people who attended the golf course over the weekend of May 1-2 were also charged for defying COVID-19 restrictions.
"Despite strong local support and support throughout the province, the enforcement by the provincial government has been overbearing," the owners added in their statement. "The threats and fines have adversely affected our ability to continue playing golf safely. As such, we are no longer able to bring awareness to the benefits of outdoor activities, by continuing to remain open."
The Bridges at Tillsonburg said it will take all profits it earned over the last two weekends and donate them to local initiatives it believes are negatively affected by the lockdowns.