Anti-mask rallies, or what organizers are calling “Freedom Rallies”, are becoming prevalent in northwestern Ontario communities as part of a growing movement across the province.
Activist Chris Saccoccia, otherwise known as Chris Sky, made it past the Ontario/Manitoba boundary Monday along with an unspecified number of vehicles en route to a rally in Thunder Bay.
Sky posted on social media that he was allowed through because he is a resident of Ontario.
The group started in British Columbia.
They stopped in Dryden Monday afternoon and held a brief protest in front of the Government Building.
There was no visible police presence.
The final stop for the so-called ‘Freedom Convoy’ is Thunder Bay with an evening protest planned for Tuesday night at 6:00 eastern time.
Mayor Bill Mauro says he has concerns and stresses at this time any large gathering is contrary to existing Provincial Orders.
Mauro adds, any event that risks increasing the spread of the virus and prolonging the lockdown is not welcome in his City.
Thunder Bay Police are aware of the planned event but say enforcement of the pandemic rules will be a last resort.
Anti-mask rallies have also taken place in Red Lake every Saturday and protests have been held in Fort Frances.
(With Files from Vic Krasowski: Thunder Bay)