Parliament Hill police estimate 500 will attend ‘Freedom Convoy’ anniversary
OTTAWA – The Parliamentary Protection Service expects 500 people to gather this weekend to celebrate a year since the “Freedom Convoy” occupied downtown Ottawa. The agency overseeing the precinct said it would partially restrict access to Parliament Hill.
OTTAWA – The Parliamentary Protection Service expects 500 people to gather this weekend to celebrate a year since the “Freedom Convoy” occupied downtown Ottawa.
The agency overseeing the precinct said it would partially restrict access to Parliament Hill.
The public can still use the central and east gates to get onto the Hill lawn, but not the gates closest to the west bloc, where the Liberals are holding their caucus this weekend.
The protection service said public tours had been cancelled.
Ottawa Police say they have no estimate of how many protesters are expected on city streets.
The Protection Service also said Ottawa Police will enforce the closure of Wellington Street in front of Parliament Hill to traffic.
Area councilor Ariel Troster said protesters had permission to hold a “dance party” on Parliament Hill but not in city-controlled areas, which include Wellington Street.
She tweeted on Friday that the city would be manning the 311 line this weekend to respond to any incidents.
“City officials have made a strong statement that there will be zero tolerance for hate crimes,” Troster wrote in a message to residents.
In its own press release Thursday, the City of Ottawa said police could “enact temporary closures to handle heavy traffic if necessary.”
The city said drivers should expect delays in the downtown core, adding that parking is restricted throughout the area.
Meanwhile, law enforcement officials will protect against “blatant violations of municipal ordinances,” the city said, particularly “relating to parking, noise, trash and fireworks.” Ottawa only allows fireworks around Canada Day and Victoria Day.
“The city values diversity of minds, perspectives and lived experiences and condemns any display of hatred and racism,” the community noted.
OC Transpo plans to maintain regular transit services in the capital.
An Ottawa City Council subcommittee voted this week to reopen Wellington Street to cars in March after a year-long closure. The full Council will vote on this proposal in early February.
Large trucks occupied the road for weeks last year and were only removed after the Liberal government invoked the emergency law.
Protesters came out with a range of complaints, many centered on COVID-19 public health measures, while others espoused conspiracy theories and displayed images related to far-right extremism.
This report from The Canadian Press was first published on January 27, 2023.
Dylan Robertson, The Canadian Press
Note to readers: This is a corrected story. An earlier version said the Ottawa City Council had voted to reopen Wellington Street.
