In a recent development in Richmound, Saskatchewan, provincial authorities have deemed parts of a former school site, which had been used as a compound for the self-declared “Queen of Canada” and her followers, uninhabitable. The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) announced that the premises do not comply with health regulations, specifically under Section 22 of the Public Health Act. The issue arises from the building’s status as a multi-person residence that lacks connection to the municipal sewer system. As a result, an evacuation order was issued for the residents living in the facility, while trailers on the site remain unaffected. Following the execution of a search warrant, law enforcement apprehended leader Romana Didulo, property owner Ricky Manz, and 14 other members of the group.
Although all arrested individuals were released shortly after, Didulo and Manz were rearrested, accused of violating conditions that prohibited them from contacting one another. The SHA stated that individuals who disregard the evacuation order could face significant fines, beginning at $75,000 for a first offence, and $100 for each subsequent day of the violation. The health authority emphasized that it has been working alongside the Saskatchewan RCMP and municipal officials to thoroughly assess the health risks posed by the group’s presence in Richmound. By September 5, 2025, evidence had been collected indicating multiple health and safety concerns at the site.
The eviction order will remain in effect until the identified hazards have been addressed to the satisfaction of a public health officer. In a video broadcast by the group, spokesperson Darlene Ondi claimed that members had been forced to leave the premises without prior notice and asserted that they complied completely with the order. Ondi criticized the actions of the authorities, labeling them as “inhumane,” “indecent,” and “unlawful,” reflecting the sentiments of many within the group who feel victimized by the governmental response.
Compounding their legal troubles, Didulo and Manz also face accusations of attempting to intimidate a participant in the justice system earlier this year, demonstrating a pattern of alleged misconduct. Furthermore, in July, Manz was charged with assaulting two police officers during a prior incident. The root of the law enforcement action stemmed from reports indicating that firearms were present at the site. In executing the search warrant, authorities discovered 13 imitation semi-automatic handguns, ammunition, and various electronic devices which raised further safety concerns.
Residents of Richmound have voiced their frustrations regarding the group’s disruptive behavior, leading to heightened tension in the community. Earlier in the summer, the village office resorted to restricting public access, requiring appointments to mitigate harassment and intimidation directed toward staff members. This ongoing strife illustrates the challenges faced by local authorities as they attempt to navigate the complex dynamics between community safety and individual rights.
As the situation develops, the public health implications of the group’s occupancy remain a significant concern for officials and residents alike. The SHA and collaborating agencies are tasked with ensuring compliance with health regulations, and the ramifications of the group’s presence will likely have lasting impacts on the community’s social and legal landscape. The events unfolding in Richmound encapsulate the intersection of public health, local governance, and individual freedoms, raising critical questions about community safety and individual rights in the face of unusual circumstances.
