BREAKING: Protesters defy stay-at-home order in Toronto, arrests made as they march against lockdowns

Protestors once again defied the ongoing stay-at-home order — which recently lifted for most of the province but extended in the Toronto, Peel, and North Bay-Parry Sound regions — to speak out against the ongoing lockdowns.

Media were quickly given a warning that they are not exempt from the rules and could be subject to arrest, despite a previous police statement that media was, in fact, essential.

Over 100 protesters assembled to begin their march through the city. “It’s a great day for exercise!” one protestor said to the police as she passed by, referencing the fact that exercise is deemed essential under the order.

The protesters have referenced a loophole in the stay-at-home order policy that says a person is exempt so long as they are exercising. This has lead protesters to call their gatherings an "Essential Exercise March."

One protestor was quickly arrested, after which protestors embarked on their “Essential Exercise March.”

Kathy, who received a ticket for failing to comply with emergency measures two weeks ago, isn’t letting her ticket deter her from exercising the right to protest.

"They kept me in handcuffs like a criminal for holding a sign, at Queen’s Park when Doug Ford said ‘Please go to Queen’s Park to protest,’ and now we can’t," she explained.  

"This is what Canada is coming to. We have no freedom of speech, we have to stay home in fear, we have to close our businesses, we have to not breathe oxygen, we have to be afraid," she added.

"Fear never drives anything good in the world."

The demonstrators began to sing "O Canada" as they marched down the street.

The protesters marched for roughly three hours before dispersing.

Anti-lockdown protests have been occurring weekly in Toronto for months, often times resulting in the arrests of peaceful demonstrators for violating the city's coronavirus stay at home order.

This is a developing story.