Three Chilliwack churches ticketed over $18K for breaking public health orders

Mounties have issued fines to three separate Chilliwack churches for hosting in-person worship services in defiance of current COVID-19 public health orders.

The fines for the three churches total $18,400, according to a Chilliwack RCMP news release. Representatives from each of the congregations have also been charged for failing to comply with current rules forbidding gatherings.

The religious gatherings occurred on December 6 and 13, and charges were laid on December 17.

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“As officers investigated the complaints police worked closely with Provincial, Regional Health officials, and the BC Prosecution Service (BCPS) in the education and enforcement of current COVID-19 health regulations to attain the compliance of the congregations,” Cpl. Mike Rail said in a release.

Police did not specify which churches were fined.

The current orders forbidding gatherings and in-person religious services are set to expire on January 8, 2021.