A charge under the Reopening Ontario Act has been laid against a Chatham-Kent resident after a gathering of more than 50 people was held indoors.
Municipal By-Law Enforcement Officer Travis Maxwell confirmed that one resident was charged on Friday for allegedly organizing an indoor gathering in Dresden, which exceeded 50 attendees.
Under the current legislation, organizers of gatherings in violation of the rules could face a minimum fine of $10,000 while attendees can be fined $750 each.
No other charges associated with the gathering were issued, though.
Maxwell said no other details can be provided at this time.
Chatham-Kent is currently in the Yellow-Protect zone of the province's colour-coded reopening framework. Under yellow, social gatherings are limited to 10 people indoors and 25 people outdoors, whereas organized public gatherings are limited to 50 people indoors and 100 people outdoors.
However, stricter measures will soon come into effect as southern Ontario enters a 28-day lockdown, starting at 12:01 a.m. on December 26.
Earlier this month, bylaw enforcement officers in Chatham-Kent laid two charges for alleged violations of the province’s mandatory masking laws. Those charges under the Reopening Ontario Act each carry an $880 fine.
