They came to St. Thomas and held their Freedom Rally, marched to Veteran Memorial Garden for a brief Remembrance Service and then the 200 or so protesters went their separate ways.
In their wake, downtown businesses closed for the day to protect staff and customers and the worry of a spike in COVID-19 cases in a community with just a single ongoing confirmed case.
The third such rally in this area in less than a month was the smallest but no less contentious to many in the community.
It will now be up to the St. Thomas Police Service to determine – in conjunction with a Crown attorney – as to any charges that may be laid in the aftermath of the gathering.
In a statement from Chief Chris Herridge shortly after the crowd dispersed, he thanked the community for their support and commitment to public safety.
“Prior to the event, we made some requests,” noted Herridge. “We asked that you please stay home and please keep the peace so we could monitor this event safely. You did that and we are deeply grateful for your cooperation.”
He continued, “Rest assured that just because the rally is over, the investigation is not. The St. Thomas Police are committed to this investigation and will be presenting evidence to the Crown Prosecutors for review.”
The rally opened with a series of speakers – using a pickup truck as a platform – to convey a variety of messages touching on eroding freedoms, their belief the coronavirus is but a myth and the dangers associated with a COVID-19 vaccine.
Salim Mansur, a retired Professor Emeritus of Political Science at Western University and a candidate for the People’s Party of Canada in the 2019 federal election, said the freedom movement is a wave washing across Canada.
As was the case at last week’s rally in Aylmer, Church of God Pastor Henry Hildebrandt implored the gathering to resist any government infringements on individual freedoms.
A handful of St. Thomas residents were on hand – complete with evocative signs of their own – as peaceful counter-protesters.
Brad Bedford said he wants his life back but having such rallies risks spreading the coronavirus and, with it, further restrictions as was the case Friday with the region moved into the province’s yellow protect zone as of Monday.
Representing Lord Elgin Branch 41 of the Royal Canadian Legion, Tony Bendel was upset at the protesters making their way to Veteran Memorial Garden and, in particular, one individual waving an upside-down Canadian flag during a tribute to veterans.
As the protesters made their way back to Memorial Arena, Tanya Calvert, Corporate Communications Coordinator for St. Thomas Police, said dealing with the influx of people from outside the area proved a balancing act.
A similar rally is planned for tomorrow (Sunday) in Woodstock.
