Hamilton police charge organizers of 2 Hugs over Masks events

Police have charged the organizers of two Hugs Over Masks events that took place near Hamilton City Hall.

The events occurred the past two Sundays in protest of current COVID-19 restrictions.

Hamilton police say the Jan. 3 gathering drew about 40 people, while more than 60 protesters took part in a similar event this past Sunday, Jan. 10.

Investigators add that organizers went ahead with both events, despite being warned ahead of time that they would be violating outdoor gathering limits as laid out in the Reopening Ontario Act.

Get breaking National news

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.

Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up

By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Police say they’ve charged a 27-year-old Hamilton man who organized the Jan. 3 protest, and a 38-year-old Brampton woman who organized the Jan. 10 demonstration.

If convicted, each faces fines starting at $10,000.

Hamilton Public Health continues to urge residents to stay at home when ill, wear a mask and follow physical distancing protocols, and wash hands frequently with soap and water to help stop the spread of COVID-19.