The organizer of a weekly protest in downtown Barrie has been issued an infraction by city police.
This was the fifth weekend in a row that crowds have gathered at Meridian Place in the city's downtown to protest the provincial government’s COVID-19 restrictions and lockdown.
Barrie police communications co-ordinator Peter Leon said officers estimate approximately 300 people attended Saturday's demonstration.
Although Leon said those who attended were “very peaceful and dispersed at the conclusion of the gathering," he acknowledged many were not wearing masks or practising social distancing.
The organizer, who had vowed to host the protest every Saturday until all restrictions are lifted, was issued a Provincial Offences notice due to being in contravention of the Reopening Ontario Act. It comes with an $880 fine.
This is the first time anyone at the weekly event has been fined, noted Leon, however police have laid similar charges since the beginning of the pandemic.
