Hundreds of people were on hand Saturday afternoon to hear People's Party of Canada leader Maxime Bernier speak at a 'freedom rally' at Meridian Place in downtown Barrie.
Barrie police estimated the crowd at the Dunlop Street square at between 400 and 500 people.
A city police official told BarrieToday that tickets have been handed out at the event, which was largely peaceful.
Some protesters were seen scoffing at and jeering people who were wearing masks.
Numerous signs included slogans downplaying the virus and had anti-mask messaging.
The crowd cheered Bernier as he railed against Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Ontario Premier Doug Ford by saying government is trying to divide Canada into two groups: vaccinated and non-vaccinated citizens.
While Bernier said he does not plan to get the vaccine, he also said he would not hold it against others who choose to do so.
BarrieToday will have more on this developing story.
