MONTREAL -- Over 30 people hoping to have a nice night at a Quebec ski chalet had their Saturday night party ended early and in less than pleasant style with all of them receiving $1,550 fines for gathering during the pandemic.
The Surete du Quebec (SQ) responded to a 911 call around 8:30 p.m. reporting that an illegal gathering was taking place at a chalet at the Stoneham Mountain Resort about 30 minutes north of Quebec City.
"When they got to the cottage, police officers confirmed that there were 36 people in the cottage," said SQ spokesperson Stephane Tremblay.
Tremblay said the chalet was rented for a party, and everyone there was given a fine for illegal gathering.
"Everyone was sent home by taxi," said Tremblay.
The police issued 14 other statements for violations of municipal bylaws, including insulting a peace officer or obstructing the work of the police.
The intervention ended around 3 a.m. and the participants had to leave the premises.
The Quebec City region is slated to go from a red zone (high alert) to an orange zone on Monday.
Though some restrictions will be lifted in the switch, private gatherings will still be prohibited.
