Brantford Police Urging People to Stay Home Saturday with Another Protest Planned

Friday, 16 April 2021 13:10

Brantford Police charged 27 people under the Reopening Ontario Act after the last protest on April 3rd, with more charges pending.

BRANTFORD - Brantford Police urge the public to not attend a planned protest this Saturday.

The Police issued the statement today. They note that as part of the Stay-at-Home Order, taking part in large gatherings, including protests is not permitted and contravenes the Emergency Order. You can read the full statement below:

"Taking part in large gatherings, including protests and demonstrations, contravenes the Emergency Orders. The Brantford Police Service recognizes the Charter protected right of any group to assemble peacefully in order to draw public attention to a specific cause so long as such a gathering does not breach any applicable statutes or municipal by-laws. Any gathering, regardless of its intended purpose, which is over the legal limit, will merit an appropriate police response in order to enhance community safety concerns.

Large gatherings of more than five people are not permitted under Emergency Orders."

Police are asking the public to not attend the protest on Saturday in the area of Henry Street and Wayne Gretzky Parkway. Traffic delays or temporary street closures in the area may occur.

Brantford Police ended up charging 27 people after the last protest on April 3rd, which drew almost 2,000 people. The investigation is ongoing and more charges are pending.

Police are urging everyone to stay home to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

"BPS encourages everyone to do their part to support our health care system and workers at this difficult time and minimize the impact of COVID-19 in our community.

BPS continues to provide public safety services to the community we serve and supports the efforts of federal, provincial and local health authorities to limit the transmission of COVID-19, including the government-mandated Emergency Brake Shutdown during this pandemic. We appreciate the public’s ongoing support of these measures."