(OTTAWA) Ottawa Police Chief Eric Stubbs says resources, tow trucks and staffing plans are in place as the city prepares for the first anniversary of the launch of the ‘freedom convoy’.
On January 28 and 29, 2022, thousands of people gathered in the streets in front of Parliament Hill with large trucks, to protest the restrictions related to COVID-19 and the Liberal government.
Ottawa police say they are prepared for the possibility that the first anniversary of the start of the protest could trigger another, but Mr. Stubbs would not reveal details of what the police think in terms of planned events and number of demonstrators expected.
PHOTO DARRYL DYCK, THE CANADIAN PRESS ARCHIVES
Ottawa Police Chief Eric Stubbs
Loud and disruptive protests a year ago lasted more than three weeks, and Wellington Street in front of Parliament Hill has remained closed to traffic ever since.
The city council must decide whether or not to reopen the street on Thursday. While the police chief supports reopening, he also says issues need to be addressed before this happens.
Mr. Stubbs will brief the police services board on police plans for the weekend.
This article was produced with the financial support of the Meta Fellowships and The Canadian Press for News.