Oceanside RCMP shut down a gathering of around 150 people in Coombs on Tuesday night after complaints from nearby residents. (File Photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

get together

Mass gathering of 150 people in Coombs shutdown by Oceanside RCMP

Nov 18, 2020 | 4:41 PM

PARKSVILLE — Oceanside RCMP are investigating a possible fine after breaking up a mass gathering of people in Coombs.

Police attended a small hall at the Coombs Fairgrounds the evening of Tuesday, Nov. 17 after reports of a large meeting were called in.

Cpl. Jesse Foreman said officers discovered around 150 people conducting a meeting inside.

“Due to that fact we immediately said they needed to disperse and and clear out and everyone did. We were surprised to see that many people together in a closed environment and we are considering a violation ticket for that.”

Under the COVID-19 Related Measures Act, RCMP could levy a fine of $1,000 plus a $300 surcharge against the event organizer.

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The group believed to be involved in leading the meeting are a newly formed assembly who believe they are no longer under the jurisdiction of Canadian law and are not bound to abide by it, including public health orders installed during the pandemic.

Mass gatherings at public venues were restricted to a maximum of 50 people throughout a majority of the pandemic, with further restrictions on in-home gatherings handed down in October by provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry.

Foreman said the event on Tuesday was an anomaly, with Oceanside RCMP yet to lay any fines related to COVID-19.

“We’ve found quite good compliance with people and people understanding there is a health crisis going on right now and they need to sort of break their habits. We’ve been in this long enough, several months now, and people are generally appreciative of the fact we have to keep our numbers small.”

Nanaimo RCMP have also not laid any COVID-19 related fines.

Note: An earlier version of this story indicated the Errington Volunteer Fire Department also attended in response to this meeting, which is incorrect.

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