Charges laid for in person gathering at Church in Woolwich Township

Waterloo Region – Region of Waterloo By-law Enforcement officers laid charges today under the Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID-19) Act in connection with an in person gathering at a Church on Lobsinger Line in Woolwich Township.

Officers, in partnership with Waterloo Regional Police Service, responded to complaints by visiting the place of worship on Sunday, January 3. Officers laid the charges based on their observed breaches of the province-wide shutdown restrictions including exceeding indoor gathering limits.

Waterloo Region was placed into a Province-wide shutdown on December 26, 2020 limiting in person gatherings including weddings, funerals, rites, ceremonies and other religious services to 10 people indoors and 10 people outdoors where physical distancing can be maintained.

Six individuals and the church corporation itself were charged for hosting a gathering that exceeded the indoor gathering limit. Two individuals were also charged with attending a gathering of more than 10 persons. Nine charges were laid in total.

The Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID-19) Act prescribes a minimum fine of $10,000 and a maximum fine of $100,000 (individual) / $10 million (corporation) upon a conviction for hosting or organizing an in person gathering that exceeds the 10- person limit and prescribes a maximum fine of $100,000 if convicted for attending such a gathering.

Most places of worship adhere to public health guidelines by offering online services and support. 

-30-