Quinte News has learned that eight people have been charged in connection with the April 16 anti-lockdown rally at Belleville’s Zwick’s Park.
Hundreds of people attended the event where Lanark-Frontenac-Kingston Independent MPP Randy Hillier was the guest speaker.
Belleville Police have not released any information but Belleville Mayor Mitch Panciuk says the eight people charged under the province’s Reopening Ontario Act each received $750 fines.
Extra charges were reportedly also laid against the organizers of the event.
Mayor Panciuk commends the action of police.
“I know a lot of people were frustrated not seeing the police very active during that demonstration but I agree with their decision not to do anything that would incite violence. The important thing, it was an illegal activity and it’s good to see the fines have been issued and further action by our police.”
As of Friday afternoon, Belleville police would only say the investigation is ongoing.
Hillier and three members of his family are also facing charges in connection with a “mask-burning” party at a Kemptville restaurant on April 8.
Ontario Provincial Police say about 200 people attended the event.
Hillier, his daughter and two of his sons all face Reopening Ontario Act charges.
Hillier and Hastings-Lennox & Addington MP Derek Sloan are also believed to be among six people charged in connection with their attendance at a church service in Aylmer on April 25.