Regional police issue tickets outside Trinity Bible Chapel

Waterloo Regional Police officers issued nine tickets to people leaving Sunday service at Trinity Bible Chapel.

Police said individuals were believed to be violating COVID-19 related orders under the Reopening Ontario Act.

Members of the service's COVID-19 Integrated Response Team (CIRT) were outside near the church on Sunday when they observed violations, stopped attendees leaving the church grounds and issued nine tickets.

There were at least three police cruisers as well as regional officials near the church on Sunday.

Officials said police and regional enforcement officers are reviewing evidence and more tickets may be issued.

The church in Woolwich Township has been fined several times for exceeding capacity limits. The church and six of its elders were previously fined $38,000 after being found in contempt of court for housing in-person congregations that exceeded capacity limits.

Police said in a release to CBC K-W that the enforcement on Sunday was as a result of recent amendment to provincial law that allows officials to stop people believed to be violating COVID-19 related rules.

"We remain committed to working in partnership with Region of Waterloo bylaw to ensure compliance, as well as the health and safety of the community. With any crowd management issue, we have to weigh and balance the health and safety of the public, as well as our officers," a police spokesperson said in a statement.

There were dozens of vehicles parked at the church around noon on Sunday.