Church issued COVID-related violation ticket

A representative of a Kelowna church has been issued a fine for violating B.C.’s public health orders.

RCMP first responded to a report of people gathering at a place of worship, said to be the Harvest Ministries International church, in the 1600-block of Harvey Avenue on Dec. 6.

“Officers attended and took an educational approach regarding the current COVID-19 health regulations in an attempt to attain compliance from the congregation,” detachment spokesperson, Cpl. Jocelyn Noseworthy, said.

RCMP responded to another report of a large religious gathering at the same place of worship on Dec. 19. The complaint was investigated and a representative of the congregation was issued a violation ticket for $2,300 for failure to comply with an order of a health officer.