A church in the Rural Municipality of Hanover has been forced to pay a fine for repeatedly breaking public health orders during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Church of God Restoration, along Highway 12, received numerous tickets for continuing to hold in-person church services at a time when health officials in our province mandated against large gatherings. On at least one occasion, RCMP were stationed outside the church, issuing tickets on a Sunday morning, when more than the allowed limit of individuals were seen inside the church building.

In June of 2021, the province identified the Church of God Restoration as a repeat offender. At the time, the province noted that the courts would determine what fine would be imposed on this church. According to the province, the maximum penalty would be $1 million.

A judge has now decided that the Church of God Restoration will be fined $30,000. According to the judge, the church has seven years to pay off the fine.