Strike two for church on B.C. health order

A Kelowna church has been issued a second fine for allegedly violating a B.C. Public Health Order.

RCMP say they responded to a report of a group of people gathering at a place of worship in the 1600 block of Harvey Avenue Sunday morning (Jan. 17).

“The complaint was investigated and a representative of the congregation was issued a violation ticket in the amount of $2,300 for failure to comply with an order of a Health Officer,” Cpl. Jocelyn Noseworthy, said.

Noseworthy said it was the second violation ticket issued to a representative of that congregation.

“I want to reiterate that now is not the time to gather for any reason and put yourself or the community at risk,” Kelowna RCMP Supt. Kara Triance, said. “We have reported this continued violation to the provincial health authorities and we continue to work with the BC Prosecution Service as we actively investigate and take action on reports of non-compliance with the provincial health orders. We are asking our community to take the necessary steps to protect one another and care for all by not gathering in groups at this time.”

Police did not release the name of the place of worship, but it’s believed to be Harvest Ministries International Church which was also fined $2,300 on Dec. 19, 2020.