A busy international bridge will remain free of obstruction by protesters, an Ontario judge ordered Friday after the City of Windsor argued there was a “real and present threat” of another blockade.
Posted at 4:58 p.m.
Ontario Superior Court Chief Justice Geoffrey Morawetz has granted an extension to an injunction sought by the City that prohibits blocking access to the Ambassador Bridge. The injunction was due to expire on Monday.
The City asked that the order remain in place until it was changed or overturned by the court, which Judge Morawetz agreed to.
The judge did not explain his decision, but told the court in a virtual hearing that he would provide reasons next week.
Traffic bound for Canada has been blocked for a week on the bridge that connects Windsor, Ont., to Detroit by protesters opposing mandatory vaccinations and COVID-19 measures.
The bridge is considered the busiest trade route in North America, with some 400 million goods passing through it every day.
“There is a real and present threat that the blockade will resume,” Jennifer King, a lawyer representing the City, said earlier Friday.
The City also successfully argued to become the lead plaintiff in the case, which was originally brought to court by the Automotive Parts Manufacturers Association.
Last Friday, Judge Morawetz ordered an injunction prohibiting anyone from blocking or obstructing access to the bridge for 10 days.
When the ordinance went into effect at 7 p.m. Feb. 11, about 500 protesters massed near the bridge, Ms.me King.
That number rose to some 800 people the following day, the lawyer said. By then, authorities had issued nearly 40 tickets and towed seven vehicles.
Last Sunday, dozens of police cleared the area, arresting more than 40 protesters, Ms.me King. They filed 43 mischief charges and 43 breach of court order charges.
Around midnight, hours after police took control of the area, the Ambassador Bridge reopened.
Afterwards, police monitored social media, Ms.me King, and observed several posts suggesting protesters wanted to resume the blockade of the bridge.
She also pointed out that police intercepted a small convoy of trucks some 250 kilometers from Windsor that was allegedly traveling from Ottawa to the Ambassador Bridge.
James Kitchen, a lawyer for protesters included in a group called the “Citizens of Freedom”, claimed the court order was too broad and infringed on the rights to freedom of expression and assembly. He argued that sidewalks are public and protesters should be allowed to congregate.
A protest is scheduled for Saturday at a riverside park, the court heard.