Fines may be issued after about 80 people attended an outdoor gathering at Winkler’s Bethel Heritage Park Sunday morning.

Through social media posts Winkler Police became aware a gathering was planned, originally at Winkler Park, for Sunday morning. Barricades were erected at the entrances to the main parking lot on Grandeur Avenue to discourage people from attending.  At about 11:00 a.m. Sunday morning police learned the gathering had been moved to Bethel Heritage Park. When officers arrived it was already partially underway. Officers advised attendees they could face a fine for attending, but most decided to attend. 

In a news release issued to PembinaValleyOnline it was noted the gathering was a peaceful event, with attendees singing hymns, but unfortunately it was in violation of current Public Health Orders.

No tickets were issued Sunday morning, but there possibly could be in the coming days, with Winkler Police consulting with Manitoba Public Health.

“There is a misconception these restrictions imposed on us go against the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, but in fact they do not,” stated Police Chief Ryan Hunt in the release. “The right to gather in large groups does not supersede everyone else’s right to be protected from the virus, or the need to keep our health care system from being overloaded. We will get through this, and the restrictions will be removed, but we just encourage everyone to follow the guidelines that are in place, and not find ways around them.”