Woodstock Mayor Issues a Statement Regarding the Freedom Rally on Sunday

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Tuesday, 10 November 2020 11:18

Woodstock Mayor Trevor Birtch has issued a statement on the proposed Freedom rally on Sunday; Councillor Jerry Acchione also offered his opinion, asking residents to stay home.

WOODSTOCK - Woodstock City officials are bracing for a "freedom rally" planned for downtown Woodstock on Sunday afternoon.

Posters of the event have been circulating on social media since the rally in Aylmer on Saturday.

Woodstock Mayor Trevor Birtch has issued the following statement on the matter.

"Social media posts are promoting an anti-lockdown Freedom rally for the City of Woodstock this Sunday.

As Mayor of the City of Woodstock I want to say that we respect people’s right to express their views but we do not condone or support any event that contravenes Provincial Regulations and the recommendations of our Public Health Officials. The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms provides the right to peaceful assembly and the right to express opinions and beliefs. Provincial Regulations establishes limits on outdoor gatherings but does not require the use of face masks in outdoor settings.

The City of Woodstock and city council, believe the safety of our community is paramount and any activity that unnecessarily increases the risk of exposure is unacceptable.

To the organizers and attendees of the event I caution that Woodstock Police Service will be on-hand, monitoring the event to ensure the safety of everyone and will respond to violations of any laws as deemed necessary. Woodstock Police Service's role throughout the COVID-19 response has been to maintain the health and safety of all residents of Woodstock by ensuring that Emergency Orders are adhered to and where necessary and appropriate, lay charges in relation to violations of those orders. That role will continue this weekend. Public safety is our priority as is the maintenance of peace and enforcement of laws to protect the citizens of our community.

To our community, I ask that you not attend, that you not interact with attendees, that you stay within your social circle and continue to follow the recommendations of our Public Health Officials. I caution against added interaction on social media; which has the unintended consequence of promoting the event. Remember Friendly City, we are all in this together."

Another Woodstock City councillor Jerry Acchione took to Facebook to voice his opinion. He asked residents to stay home and not engage with the protestors.

"I do believe everyone has the right to their own opinion, BUT personally I STRONGLY encourage everyone to stay home and don't participate in this proposed Rally this Sunday. Help prevent the spread of anything brought into our City by the attendees of the "anti-mask" rally by staying away from downtown and not to give them the interaction they desire. I also understand that some businesses plan on closing if this rally does happen. I believe that is their choice and possibly the right thing to do for everyone's safety. PLEASE BE SAFE & WEAR A MASK!"

The Woodstock Police are aware of the protest and will have a presence on Sunday. Mayor Birch is asking residents to not engage or argue with the protestors on social media. You can listen to his full statement below: