Kelowna church hit with second $2,300 COVID-19 fine

A Kelowna church has been handed a second fine for violating public health orders by holding in-person services.

Harvest Ministries International in Kelowna was fined $2,300 yesterday, Jan. 17, according to an RCMP media release.

The church was initially visited and warned by the RCMP for a service held on Dec. 6. When called back because of another service held on Dec. 19, Kelowna RCMP issued a $2,300 ticket.

The church announced, Jan. 6, that it will be challenging the legality of provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry’s order that church services not be held in person.

READ MORE: Kelowna church to take on Dr. Bonnie Henry in court

“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 in the release.

“We have reported this continued violation to the provincial health authorities and we continue to work with the B.C. 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.”

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