Members of the Peterborough County Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have charged the organizer of a large gathering at a rural property on Burnham Line in Otonabee-South Monaghan Township.
On May 30, 2021, at approximately 10:30 a.m., officers responded to a complaint of a large gathering in progress at the rear of the property. Officers attended and observed that approximately 50 people had gathered for a religious ceremony. The organizer of the event was charged for failing to comply with an order made during a declared emergency under the Re-opening Ontario Act (ROA).
While the OPP continues to encourage everyone to follow the emergency measures and health recommendations, officers continue to investigate and take necessary action in response to incidents reported under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (EMCPA), the Re-opening Ontario Act (ROA) and the provincial Stay-At-Home order. We are working with local Public Health Units (PHUs), bylaw enforcement and other agencies.
Public safety is always the top priority. As a result, charges may not be laid at the time of the incident, but could be laid at a later time after a thorough investigation.
Fines are $750 for failing to comply with an order and/or $1,000 for preventing others (including individuals, employees or other workers) from following an order. Maximum fines for individuals are up $100,000 and $10 millio n for a corporation. Failure to follow the rules can result in prosecution or jail time.
Anyone who believes a gathering is not following the law or a business is operating illegally, should report it to their local municipal bylaw enforcement authorities or police service.
The OPP asks that 9-1-1 be used for emergency purposes only. If you have questions about the Stay-At-Home order, please visit //covid-19.ontario.ca/zones-and-restrictions. To learn more about COVID-19 support services, visit / /211oncovid19.ca/ or call the hotline at 211 for assistance. 211 is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week and service is available in 150 languages.
If you have any information on the above investigations or any other please contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-(TIPS) 8477 or submit your tip on-line at www.ontariocrimestoppers.ca. Crime Stoppers does not want your name, you don’t go to court and you could earn cash reward.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
