An Ontario Superior Court judge grants a 10-day injunction to stop truckers parked on downtown Ottawa streets from tirelessly honking their horns.
Judge Hugh McLean says the injunction is temporary because he needs to hear more evidence, but he has heard enough to make that decision on Monday.
Ottawa residents were seeking an injunction prohibiting continued nuisance during protests by truckers and their supporters, in addition to millions of dollars in damages.
Last Friday, attorney Paul Champ argued that the incessant noise of high-decibel train sirens and horns significantly interferes with the private use and enjoyment of homes and that the behavior is totally unreasonable and unwarranted.
The petition says people were injured and seeks damages for emotional and mental distress; difficulty concentrating; interference with the peaceful enjoyment of the house; headache ; and difficulty sleeping. She is asking for $100 a day for each person who has suffered from the protesters’ tactics.
The petition contains allegations that have not been proven in court.
Lawyer Keith Wilson, who represents the three named in the proposed class action, argued that only one of them actually owns a truck, and, according to him, has never sounded his horn. He also said truckers in downtown Ottawa have agreed among themselves that horns won’t sound during the night, between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m.
On Sunday afternoon, Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson declared a state of emergency. A brief statement said the move reflects the grave danger and threat to the safety and security of residents posed by the ongoing protests in the nation’s capital.
This decision gives the City additional powers, particularly with respect to procurement and the way in which it offers its services. The statement notes that these powers will help purchase necessary equipment for frontline workers and first responders.
Further details will follow.