COCHRANE— A group of anti-vaccination protesters have been issued a fine by Cochrane RCMP after trespassing at RancheView School.
On Thursday (June 10) Cochrane RCMP received a call indicating a group of about four or five protesters had trespassed in RancheView School, said Cochrane RCMP Cpl. Troy Savinkoff. The group was serving and representing documents in the school related to the anti-vaccine movement and COVID-19.
The group had departed the school by the time RCMP arrived.
Based on details provided by witnesses RCMP conducted a patrol of the area locating a vehicle associated with the protest. Two individuals were identified and issued fines.
“Ultimately these individuals were inside the school. They were trespassing,” Savinkoff said.
The individuals were issued violation tickets under the Trespass to Premise Act. The tickets carry a fine of $600.
The group was not charged with a criminal offence, Savinkoff said, adding they have been advised to not go into schools again.
RancheView School did not go into lockdown status at the time of the incident.
“Schools are supposed to be a safe place. They’re supposed to be insulated from things like this,” Savinkoff said.
While there has not been a rise in protests of this nature in Cochrane, Savinkoff said, the RCMP has had a couple of reports of similar incidents at the Cochrane RancheHouse and one other school.
Savinkoff could not confirm if these incidents are related.
“Protests and demonstrations are fine but there are certain places you can’t do that,” Savinkoff said. “Schools are supposed to be a safe place. If you don’t belong in the school, you can’t be in there.”
Rocky View Schools confirmed in a statement provided to The Cochrane Eagle COVID-related protesters appeared at Manachaban Middle School and RancheView School on the afternoon of June 10.
“A small group came into the school offices expressing their opinions against vaccines and other things COVID-related. Rocky View Schools contacted local RCMP in Cochrane and they responded,” said the statement.
Rocky View Schools have been in regular contact with RCMP to ensure any individuals or activities around its schools that could impact the safety of staff and students are addressed quickly.
“We have not heard from these individuals since,” said the statement.
Protesters also visited the RancheHouse on Thursday looking to speak with Mayor Jeff Genung. Genung said he was unaware of the visit until after they had left.
Opposition and questioning of COVID-19 public health protocols have been an ongoing conversation in town during the pandemic, Genung said.
He cited an anti-lockdown delegation appeared at Town Council on Monday (May 14) and called on council to join the End the Lockdowns National Caucus example.
“Freedom of speech and the opportunity to share your thoughts with elected officials is how we operate. Everything was above board with that [delegation],” Genung said. “I appreciate people sharing their perspective on things, but we don’t always have to agree.”
The pandemic has created a difficult time for people around the world, he said, but there are limitations to what Mayor and Council can do in the community because many health care protocols fall within provincial or federal jurisdictions.
Genung said things are heading in a good direction with COVID-19 cases falling in number and the province’s Open for Summer plan appearing to be on track.
“This is not a time to continue to divide our community. It’s a time to unite and come together, link arms and rise up,” Genung said. “Whether you agree with what happened, whether it was true or false or whatever, it’s upon each of us now to look forward and build a future for our community.”
