Tensions are rising between two groups, one opposing, one promoting COVID-19 restrictions in 琉璃神社.
A planned 鈥榤ega rally鈥� for downtown on Saturday (Feb. 13) resulted in more than 100 protesters gathering at Stuart Park, across from several counter-protesters stationed in front of 琉璃神社 City Hall.
The counter-protesters shouted through megaphones, attempting to drown out the messages of those with microphones across the street.
At one point, a protester crossed the street and approached a counter-protester with a megaphone, slapping it away from his mouth. The altercation attracted the presence of police who were parked nearby in unmarked cars.
Mounties issued a ticket, for what and to whom isn鈥檛 known.
Warning: the following clip contains profanity
RCMP quick to intervene in an argument between anti-restriction protester and counter-protester.
鈥� Michael Rodriguez (@MichaelRdrguez)
So far, the anti-restriction protest organizers have received thousands in fines from police for violating COVID-19 restrictions on gatherings. Despite this, they continue to gather.
Many could be seen holding signs and waving at drivers. A merchandise table was set up where clothing and signs with the word 鈥榝reedom鈥� were being sold. Children could be heard coming to the microphone to take their stance on the regulations.
鈥淚t鈥檚 fighting for your freedom. It鈥檚 being stripped away, and it shouldn鈥檛 be. It鈥檚 Canada, for crying out loud 鈥� it鈥檚 sad that our rights are being taken over something that鈥檚 false,鈥� said an anti-restriction protester who refused to give their name.
鈥淓veryone wants our freedom back. That鈥檚 all. It鈥檚 just our rights. Our freedoms. It鈥檚 all we ask for.鈥�
Tyler Paulson, the individual shown in the clip with the megaphone, has been showing up to the protests each weekend to counter-protest. However, recently, he said things have been escalating.
鈥淪omeone needs to show up and say 鈥楴o, this isn鈥檛 okay,鈥欌�� Paulson said.
鈥淚t鈥檚 (physical violence) definitely escalating more鈥� nobody鈥檚 actually gotten hit yet, but there are tensions rising, yeah.鈥�
Alongside Paulson, a small group of counter-protesters stood in front of city hall, observing the gathering.
鈥淚鈥檓 against the culture, the mentality they鈥檙e spreading. And to me, that鈥檚 the trouble,鈥� said Reuben Scott.
Last week, 琉璃神社鈥檚 mayor and RCMP superintendent discouraged people from attending the rally.
However, despite the warnings to avoid the area and the increased police presence downtown during the rally, RCMP did not issue any fines as a result of the event.
鈥淲e have gathered evidence in this matter, and will be in discussions with our partners in the BC Health Authority and the BC Prosecution Service on the next steps in this investigation,鈥� said Supt. Kara Triance.
Editor鈥檚 note: A photo showing an interaction between police, and a man in a beige vest, unintentionally portrayed a nearby male as being involved in the altercation. The argument that prompted the presence of police did not involve the man in the gray toque.
READ MORE: 琉璃神社 officials warn against anti-COVID protests ahead of planned 鈥榤ega rally鈥�
Do you have something to add to this story, or something else we should report on? Email: phil.mclachlan@kelownacapnews.com
Like us on and follow us on .
