Following further investigation into a ‘Freedom Protest’ that took place in Victoria Park on March 20, 2021, City of London Municipal Law Enforcement Officers, with assistance of London Police Service and Aylmer Police Service, served summons to two individuals for participating in a gathering, contrary to the Reopening Ontario Act.
As a result of the investigation, two individuals, a 57-year-old male and a 46-year-old female, both of Aylmer, have each been issued a summons to appear in court.
Municipal Law Enforcement Officers previously issued summons to two individuals, a 24-year-old female and a 38-year-old female for organizing the outdoor ‘Freedom Protest’ gathering which exceeded the number permitted.
At a time when case counts continue to be high and we are seeing increased pressure on healthcare systems across Ontario, the City of London strongly discourages activities that don’t comply with health precautions that are in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the community. Indoor gatherings of any size are not permitted during the Stay-at-Home Order. Outside gatherings are limited to members of one’s immediate household only.
In an effort to keep Londoners safe and healthy, and as COVID-19 remains an ongoing threat in our community, Municipal Law Enforcement Officers will continue to enforce the Reopening Ontario Act using all available enforcement options including education, engagement, and where necessary, issuing fines or summons where violations of provincial regulations are observed. By-law officers will continue to respond to complaints, proactively patrol locations where infractions have been observed, and monitor planned events and protests.
For more information on COVID-19, please continue to visit london.ca/COVID-19.