Organizers fined for Saturday “Freedom Rally” in Nelson

Nelson Police said they handed out three $2,300 fines as nearly 150 people gathering at Nelson City Hall on Saturday for a “Freedom Rally” while another 75 people marched down Baker Street and Vernon Street.

According to Nelson Police, the rally and march was held around 12:00 pm.

“Nelson Police observed approximately 150 participants who gathered to listen to speakers with messaging around COVID-19 related guidelines, measures and enacted laws,” said the authorities. “Police observed some participants standing on the sidewalk in the 300 block of Ward Street where they carried signs displayed for passing vehicles and pedestrians.”

Nelson Police said 150 people gathered outside Nelson City Hall for a “Freedom Rally” on Saturday, April 3, 2021. (Supplied by Sheldon Button, MyNelsonNow.com staff)

“Although the rally was observed to be peaceful, participants were in contravention of COVID-19 Related Measures Act,” added Nelson Police.

Monitoring the rally, Nelson Police said they identified several key organizers involved in the event. After the rally was concluded, police issued three separate violation tickets to including a 58-year-old woman from Winlaw, a 42-year-old man from Halfmoon Bay, and a 41-year-old man from Vancouver. Nelson Police said all three were given a $2,300 fine for organizing Saturday’s gathering.

“The public are being asked to ensure compliance of the British Columbia Public Health Order, specifically the COVID-19 Related Measures Act, and individuals who fail to comply could face fines.”

Bradley Jones
Bradley Jones
Delivering local news and sports in the East Kootenay since April 2016, Bradley now calls Cranbrook home. Born and raised in Airdrie, AB, Bradley graduated from Lethbridge College, and has been a journalist, news anchor and reporter since 2014. Bradley took on local News Director responsibilities when he moved to Cranbrook in 2016. He is now Vista Radio's Kootenay News Director, managing and overseeing all news operations at the company's five regional radio stations in Cranbrook, Creston, Nelson, Castlegar, and Grand Forks.

Continue Reading

chnv Now playing play

ckkc Now playing play

- Advertisement -

Related Articles

- Advertisement -

Latest News

First Nations leaders setbacks in reconciliation should spur reflection this Canada Day

Canada Day this year comes amid a surge in national pride among Canadians, however, First Nations leaders across the province say Canada Day should also be an opportunity to reflect on the country’s colonial history.

B.C. weighs stripping tenant protections from supportive housing residents

A new working group is exploring the possibility of removing supportive housing from British Columbia’s Residential Tenancy Act in an effort to address safety concerns at the facilities.

Commercial logging isn’t happening in BC parks; says B.C. Minister

When it comes to commercial logging, BC parks are off-limits.

B.C. receives improved rating on interprovincial trade: CFIB

The Canadian Federation of Independent Business has praised British Columbia on making strides toward removing interprovincial trade barriers over the last year, but claims there’s still more work to be done. 

Majority of British Columbians optimistic about Canada’s future: poll

A new poll finds Canadian pride is surging as the country prepares to mark its 158th birthday on Tuesday.
- Advertisement -