‘Reopening Ontario Act’ charge laid at the Old Colony Mennonite Church in Wheatley

Chatham-Kent Police Service officials allege: On Sunday, April 25, 2021 police responded to the report of a large gathering at the Old Colony Mennonite Church on Wheatley Road.

At this time, approximately 87 unoccupied vehicles were observed in the parking lot.

A short time later, several adults and children, exited the church without masks on.

At this time, police spoke with a member of the church who confirmed that 128 members attended mass.

In addition were children who were present in separate classrooms.

Last night, the 44-year-old Wheatley man was charged with failing to comply with a continued 7.0.2 order as per Ontario Regulation 364/20, of the Reopening Ontario Act, 2020, section 10(1).

He will be required to attend Provincial Offences Court on May 19, 2021.

“It is unfortunate that some people still choose to not comply with the law considering these laws are put into place for everyone’s safety, including those who choose to break them,” Chief Gary Conn stated in a media release.

“This pandemic requires a concerted effort by all our citizens in order to abate and eventually eradicate. It is only through compliance, cooperation and collaboration that we will overcome this virus. I am once again urging citizens to please comply and assist us in helping you.”

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