The occupation of Ottawa for three weeks by the demonstrators of the “freedom convoy” will cost the City dearly, which will end up with a bill of $30 million.
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This was explained by the director general of the City, Steve Kanellakos, during the city council which was held on Wednesday.
“We don’t have the exact cost of what we’ve spent on the protest so far, but we expect the cost to be close to $30 million,” he said.
The city manager, however, assured that the City would seek funding from the federal and provincial governments.
Exact figures should be available within the next week, he told councillors.
The local state of emergency, meanwhile, is expected to remain in effect until higher levels of government end those they have brought into effect.
“Although we remain vigilant, the worst, I believe, is behind us,” said Mayor Jim Watson. “Now begins the difficult work of healing this crisis.”