(OTTAWA) Ottawa police pledge a heavy presence in the capital and zero tolerance for hate as a convoy of hundreds of motorcycles prepare to demonstrate in the city this weekend. Up to 831 additional agents could be mobilized as reinforcements.
Updated yesterday at 7:52 p.m.
The Ottawa Police Services Board approved, Wednesday evening, a request to mobilize reinforcements of up to 831 RCMP officers to lend a hand to the municipal service if needed.
The Ottawa Police Service had asked the commission to approve the rapid mobilization of “up to 200” surplus officers as they prepare to welcome another convoy of protesters, but this time on motorcycles rather than aboard heavy trucks. Up to 631 other RCMP officers who had been called in as reinforcements during the truckers’ siege last February could also be mobilized again if necessary.
In addition, the police department has requested that this provision of additional resources be maintained until July 4 when other “events and demonstrations” are expected.
Earlier Wednesday, Acting Police Chief Steve Bell told Ottawa city councilors his forces had no intention of letting the convoy turn into another illegal occupation. He also said officers will act quickly when they see wrongdoing, including the posting of swastikas and other hateful actions.
“Threats or intimidation will be handled with the necessary level of intervention,” said Bell, who expects to see more than 500 motorcyclists participating in the “Rolling Thunder Ottawa” convoy, which is due to get under way on Friday.
“Investigative teams, including our specialized hate crimes unit, are ready and will focus on gathering evidence with a view to laying charges if necessary. Displaying hateful signs like swastikas will result in charges being laid,” the police chief continued.
While convoy organizers say they plan to loop around town, stopping at the National War Memorial, police say they won’t let vehicles approach the hill of the Parliament.
Protesters from the previous convoy had been heavily criticized for desecrating the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and parking their trucks at the memorial site. Fences had to be erected to protect the area before being dismantled by the occupants. No official request has reportedly been made to reinstall these fences by Friday.
Ottawa police and residents are on their toes after the so-called ‘freedom convoy’ earlier this year blocked city streets for three weeks before officers cracked down on protesters, detaining and arresting dozens of people.
Bell said Ottawa police are working with the RCMP and intelligence agencies to identify threats and will have rapid-response teams to respond to emergencies.
“We have heard your concerns,” he told Ottawa residents. We know that you are still recovering from the disturbances and crimes committed (during the previous convoy). »
The organizers of the “Rolling Thunder” have not made clear the motivations behind their rally except that they want to travel to Ottawa to “peacefully celebrate our freedom”.
According to information posted online by the organizers, the event would be set up in partnership with the groups “Veterans for Freedom” and “Freedom Fighters Canada”. Two groups that seem to be linked to the so-called “freedom convoy” last January.
“Veterans for Freedom” describes itself on its online platform as a gathering of veterans who seek to “restore the fundamental freedoms of all Canadians” and “respect for Canadian laws”.
The members of the steering committee of this group are all linked to the previous demonstrations. One of them was even a spokesman for the trucking convoy. Others could be seen in videos posted on YouTube in which they proclaim their support for the demonstrators.
According to the “Freedom Fighters Canada” web portal, the organization “demands the end of all health regulations” as well as the end of “tyrannical laws”. Some of its leaders have also participated in or publicly supported previous protests.
Worried advisors
In response to Chief Bell’s presentation of the action plan, several city councilors representing neighborhoods around the downtown area expressed concern about motorcycles circulating through various neighbourhoods.
Others are concerned that protesters may clash with a major cycling benefit event, scheduled for Saturday, which aims to raise money for the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario.
In response, the police chief promised to follow the convoy closely as it traveled through the city, with the support of tow trucks and barriers.