A Halfmoon Bay resident was one of three people fined $2,300 each at a rally against COVID-19 public health restrictions held in Nelson over the weekend.
About 150 gathered for the rally at Nelson City Hall at around noon on April 2, and about 75 to 80 people marched on Baker and Vernon streets as part of the “freedom rally,” according to a media release by the Nelson Police Department.
“Throughout the rally, police identified several key organizers involved in the event,” said the release, which resulted in three fines, including for a 42-year-old man from Halfmoon Bay. The other two people issued tickets were a 58-year-old woman from Winlaw and a 41-year-old from Vancouver.
“The public are being asked to ensure compliance of the British Columbia Public Health Order, specifically the COVID-19 Related Measures Act, and individuals who fail to comply could face fines,” said the release.
Smaller gatherings in protest of public health restrictions have been held on the Sunshine Coast lately, including at Davis Bay and at the Langdale bypass.
The fine for breaching the provincial health officer’s order on gathering was increased March 25 to $575 from $230, according to a release by the ministry of public safety, while the fine for those who organize or host prohibited events remains $2,300.
