Investigators have laid several charges against a protester under the Highway Traffic Act and the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (EMPCA).
On April 17, 2021, at approximately 1 p.m., members of Central West Division responded to a large gathering at the corner of Garden Street and Rossland Road East in contravention of the Provincial Stay-at-Home Order. Officers assisted with traffic control and were forced to temporarily shut down the roadway for this gathering.
The protest continued on the roadway along Rossland Road East led by a black decommissioned bus. The vehicle was stopped by officers and the operator was issued several Provincial Offences Notices. The vehicle was being utilized by the operator during the large gathering along Rossland Road East despite the indoor and outdoor prohibition of organized public events and social gatherings.
As a result, a 53-year-old Clarington male has been charged with: Unnecessary Slow Driving; Fail/Refuse to Stop; Unnecessary Noise; Windows Obstructed; Windshield Obstructed contrary to the Highway Traffic Act and Fail to Comply with an Order Made During a Declared Emergency contrary to the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (EMPCA).
Further charges are expected in relation to this protest. This investigation is ongoing.
DRPS will continue to work with local public health and other officials to ensure compliance of the measures set out by the provincial government to limit the spread of COVID-19 in our community. With Ontario under a Stay-at-Home Order, DRPS will be enforcing violations under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (EMPCA). Residents and business owners are reminded to continue to follow guidelines and orders set out by provincial and local public health officials.
Anyone with new information that could help investigators is asked to contact Central West Division Criminal Investigations Bureau at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 1818.