The North Bay Police Service has put protesters on notice that officers will be present at the planned “Freedom Rally,” scheduled to take place along the Waterfront in North Bay at noon on Monday, May 31.
Information about the rally has been circulating on social media sites.
It follows similar gatherings on March 20, April 3, April 17, May 1, and May 15.
"There is currently a Declaration of Emergency and provincial Stay-at-Home Order in effect," says David Woolley, Communications Officer.
Indoor and outdoor gatherings are prohibited except for weddings, funerals, or religious services, where attendance is limited to 10 people. The organizers of gatherings can be fined a minimum of $10,000 and attendees can receive a $750 ticket.
North Bay police have issued 31 tickets and served seven summons to people for violations of the Reopening Ontario Act in relation to previous gatherings.
"The NBPS identified those involved using information gathered from observing the previous rallies," explains Wooley."Members of the NBPS issued charges to individuals at their places of residence. The NBPS maintains this practice to ensure officer and public safety. Officers entering a crowd to lay charges risk physical confrontations and the spread of COVID-19 to police and members of the public."
