Anti-lockdown march planned in St Catharines this Saturday

Niagara Regional Police says they are prepared to issue fines ahead of a planned anti-lockdown march in St Catharines this coming Saturday.

An event poster, calling for individuals to 'rise up' against the provincial COVID-19 lockdown began circulating on social media on Thursday after it was posted on the Facebook page of a St Catharines barbershop that was closed down and ticketed by local- and regional bylaw enforcement for not following Covid-rules, by claiming it was operating as a performance studio.

"If we don't stand up for our rights, we will lose them. This is about FREEDOM," the poster reads, calling for protesters to 'wear something red and bring signage' along for the protest, which is described to feature a 'peaceful assembly, speakers, unity, and a march down to Lake St.'

The protest comes amidst heightened concern over the rapid spread of COVID-19 that, according to health officials, is fueled by the variants of concern, as well as heightened social interaction prior to the provincial stay-at-home order that came into effect this week. On Thursday, Niagara reported over 100 daily cases for the second day in a row.

Niagara Regional Police told ThoroldToday.ca that they are aware of the planned march, and said it will work together with municipal and regional bylaw partners in the 'ongoing enforcement of Emergency Orders under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act," and that they will issue fines as 'deemed appropriate and necessary.'

NRPS spokesperson Stephanie Sabourin said police, in the duration of a protest, will use discretion to not escalate the situation.

Regional acting medical officer of health, Dr. Mustafa Hirji said in a written comment that Public Health encourages protesters to exercise their freedom of speech 'in such a way that it does not contravene this law meant to protect our health, even if they are campaigning for the removal of this very order.'

Hirji also said Public Health encourages protesters to practice safety measures so they can stay healthy.

"We also encourage protesters to practice all measures that will keep themselves safe and able to continue their advocacy in good health: keep 2 metres distance from anyone not in one’s household, wear a mask at all times when around others, and wash/sanitize their hands frequently," Hirji said in his email.