Niagara Region council to discuss West Lincoln mayor's future in coming days

Niagara Region chair Jim Bradley says he's taking "seriously" the issue of the mayor of West Lincoln being summoned to appear in court after speaking at an anti-lockdown protest in St. Catharines.

On Thursday, Mayor Dave Bylsma wrote in a text message to CBC News that "I can confirm that for my civil disobedience I have indeed received a court summons — no fine."

The mayor was voted off the township's emergency operations committee (EOC) this week after appearing as a guest speaker at the protest on Saturday. Bylsma is also a regional councillor.

"In regards to councillor Bylsma, I want to assure the public that I have heard their concerns and I am taking this issue seriously," Bradley said in a news release. 

"To that end, we will be discussing this matter as [a] council in the coming days."

Bylsma was among a number of Niagara residents who were issued Part III summonses under both the Reopening Ontario Act and the Emergency Management and Civil Protections Act in relation to the anti-lockdown demonstrations that took place April 10.

If found guilty, individuals could face fines of up to $100,000. The act also has provisions for imprisonment for a period not exceeding a year.

In his text message, Bylsma said he was not one to "bemoan the consequences of my actions," adding he received the summons with "politeness and respect."

"I'm taking my licks for this," he said in an interview earlier this week, regarding the council's 5-2 vote to remove him from the EOC, and criticism from area politicians. He called it "a respectful difference of opinion."

Through regional council, Bylsma serves on the planning and economic development committee, the budget review committee, the regional development charge policy task force and the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority.

'Seriously reconsider' future demonstrations

Bradley is reminding residents of the seriousness of the third wave of COVID-19 and the potential penalties that could be levied should you be found to have broken provincial directives. 

He said the provincial stay-at-home orders are designed to help protect the health and safety of residents, and willfully breaking these rules could result in serious fines and even jail time.

"As regional chair, I fully respect an individual's charter right to peacefully assemble and express themselves. However, all residents are strongly reminded that such gatherings cannot breach any applicable statues or municipal bylaws," Bradley said.

"I would encourage residents who may be planning to attend future demonstrations to seriously reconsider. Even if these residents struggle to accept the legitimate health and safety risks associated with large gatherings, I suggest they consider the potential personal repercussions of significant fines and jail time."