Tensions are rising between two groups, one opposing, one promoting COVID-19 restrictions in Kelowna.
A planned 含羞草研究社榤ega rally含羞草研究社 for downtown on Saturday (Feb. 13) resulted in more than 100 protesters gathering at Stuart Park, across from several counter-protesters stationed in front of Kelowna City Hall.
The counter-protesters shouted through megaphones, attempting to drown out the messages of those with microphones across the street.
At one point, a protester crossed the street and approached a counter-protester with a megaphone, slapping it away from his mouth. The altercation attracted the presence of police who were parked nearby in unmarked cars.
Mounties issued a ticket, for what and to whom isn含羞草研究社檛 known.
Warning: the following clip contains profanity
RCMP quick to intervene in an argument between anti-restriction protester and counter-protester.
含羞草研究社 Michael Rodriguez (@MichaelRdrguez)
So far, the anti-restriction protest organizers have received thousands in fines from police for violating COVID-19 restrictions on gatherings. Despite this, they continue to gather.
Many could be seen holding signs and waving at drivers. A merchandise table was set up where clothing and signs with the word 含羞草研究社榝reedom含羞草研究社 were being sold. Children could be heard coming to the microphone to take their stance on the regulations.
含羞草研究社淚t含羞草研究社檚 fighting for your freedom. It含羞草研究社檚 being stripped away, and it shouldn含羞草研究社檛 be. It含羞草研究社檚 Canada, for crying out loud 含羞草研究社 it含羞草研究社檚 sad that our rights are being taken over something that含羞草研究社檚 false,含羞草研究社 said an anti-restriction protester who refused to give their name.
含羞草研究社淓veryone wants our freedom back. That含羞草研究社檚 all. It含羞草研究社檚 just our rights. Our freedoms. It含羞草研究社檚 all we ask for.含羞草研究社
Tyler Paulson, the individual shown in the clip with the megaphone, has been showing up to the protests each weekend to counter-protest. However, recently, he said things have been escalating.
含羞草研究社淪omeone needs to show up and say 含羞草研究社楴o, this isn含羞草研究社檛 okay,含羞草研究社櫤卟菅芯可鐫 Paulson said.
含羞草研究社淚t含羞草研究社檚 (physical violence) definitely escalating more含羞草研究社 nobody含羞草研究社檚 actually gotten hit yet, but there are tensions rising, yeah.含羞草研究社
Alongside Paulson, a small group of counter-protesters stood in front of city hall, observing the gathering.
含羞草研究社淚含羞草研究社檓 against the culture, the mentality they含羞草研究社檙e spreading. And to me, that含羞草研究社檚 the trouble,含羞草研究社 said Reuben Scott.
Last week, Kelowna含羞草研究社檚 mayor and RCMP superintendent discouraged people from attending the rally.
However, despite the warnings to avoid the area and the increased police presence downtown during the rally, RCMP did not issue any fines as a result of the event.
含羞草研究社淲e have gathered evidence in this matter, and will be in discussions with our partners in the BC Health Authority and the BC Prosecution Service on the next steps in this investigation,含羞草研究社 said Supt. Kara Triance.
Editor含羞草研究社檚 note: A photo showing an interaction between police, and a man in a beige vest, unintentionally portrayed a nearby male as being involved in the altercation. The argument that prompted the presence of police did not involve the man in the gray toque.
READ MORE: Kelowna officials warn against anti-COVID protests ahead of planned 含羞草研究社榤ega rally含羞草研究社
Do you have something to add to this story, or something else we should report on? Email: phil.mclachlan@kelownacapnews.com
Like us on and follow us on .