Police anticipate fines for participants, organizers of Bellevue Park protest

It is expected fines will be issued to individuals gathered at a peaceful protest, held at Bellevue Park Friday, against COVID-19 restrictions.

“Officers were on scene to ensure the safety of the public and to ensure that the gathering was peaceful in nature, however officers were also on scene beginning an investigation into the illegal gathering and they will be investigating to determine the identities of any organizers and the people participating,” said Lincoln Louttit, Sault Ste. Marie Police Service spokesperson, speaking to SooToday.

“We anticipate provincial offence notices, which are fines under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (EMCPA), being issued in the coming days.”

“The minimum fine for anyone found to be participating in an illegal gathering is $750. A minimum fine for anyone deemed to have organized an illegal gathering is $10,000,” Louttit said.

Sault Police had issued warnings against the gathering prior to the event.

Over 100 people attended the gathering and rally at Bellevue Park, which lasted from 12 p.m. to approximately 1:30 p.m. Friday.