Wilmot township warns people not to gather as anti-racism picnic planned for Saturday

Wilmot township has issued a reminder to people that they are not permitted to gather for social events under the provincial stay-at-home orders.

The township doesn't say in the press release issued Thursday why it's reminding people about not gathering. But it comes after a group called the Wilmot Anti-Racism Solidarity Movement planned an anti-racism event for Saturday.

The group has called for people to enjoy a physically distant picnic with people in their own household on the grounds of Castle Kilbride, which is also where the township offices are located.

That picnic is in response to white supremacist flyers that were found in New Hamburg last month advertising a rally, also set to take place Saturday.

"White supremacy is a public health crisis — by bringing your household to join us, you are helping reaffirm the well being and dignity of all members of our community," the organizers said.

The organizers of the picnic say on the Facebook event page that people will be asked to stay within their households and to follow public health guidelines including to wear a mask, keep a physical distance from people outside their household and wash their hands or use hand sanitizer.

"We will be asking those not abiding by public health measures to leave," the event page says.

'Create a community that is anti-racist to its core'

In an interview on CBC K-W's The Morning Edition on Friday, Aashay Davil, said it's time for people to show that they are anti-racist.

Davil said during the pandemic, there's been no direction on how people can protest peacefully. He said there have been anti-lockdown rallies held in the region.

"Public health measures will be required for participation," Davil said of Saturday's picnic. They've also suggested other ways can show their support for their message beyond gathering for the picnic.

"This rally exists as a starting point to create the Transform Wilmot anti-racism strategy that pushes elected officials and community members to move with an anti-racist mindset, to create a community that is anti-racist to its core because not being racist is not enough," Davil said.

Police, bylaw expected to attend

When asked if the picnic event would go against public health guidelines, staff at Region of Waterloo Public Health directed CBC K-W to the province's website.

The province's website notes people "should only go out for necessities."

"Indoor and outdoor organized public events and social gatherings are not allowed, except with members of the same household (the people you live with)," the website says. 

"If a police officer or other provincial offences officer has reason to suspect that you are participating in an organized public event or social gathering, they may require you to provide information to ensure you are complying with restrictions."

Waterloo regional police say they are aware of Saturday's planned picnic as well as a anti-lockdown march planned for Sunday. 

Members of the service's COVID Integrated Response Team are expected to be at the picnic event and "will be monitoring the event to ensure public safety," said Cherri Greeno, manager of corporate communications and public information for the police service.

"We remain committed to working in partnership with Region of Waterloo bylaw to ensure compliance under the [Reopening Ontario Act], as well as the health and safety of the community," Greeno said in an email.

"As we have stated before, our main priority with any event such as this is safety. We have to weigh and balance the health and safety of the public, as well as our officers," she added.

"Along with maintaining public safety, we attend events such as these to gather any evidence that could support the potential of charges being laid at a later date."

The township also noted that municipal bylaw and police "are responsible to ensure public safety and will use enforcement if necessary, including issuing fines."