(OTTAWA) One of the organizers of a motorcycle convoy planned for the federal capital on Friday warns of the disorganization that could result if the police do not allow the “hundreds of motorcyclists” to circulate freely on the streets around the Parliament Hill.
Posted at 2:07 p.m.
The “Rolling Thunder Ottawa” convoy plans to make a loop through the city center this weekend, with a planned stop at the National War Memorial.
Police warn they will not allow motorbikes to demonstrate in convoys or gather in designated areas downtown, around Parliament Hill or the National War Memorial.
Ottawa police said the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Ontario Provincial Police and other municipal police forces will be deploying reinforcements to enforce the new rules in the federal capital.
Organizer Neil Sheard, who has been involved in protests against health measures in the past, says in a YouTube video that without a specific itinerary agreed in advance, it will be “every man for himself” this weekend in Ottawa, which could cause a security problem — unless the police reconsider their position.
Earlier this year, Ottawa was paralyzed by a heavy truck occupation that blocked downtown streets for three weeks.
“We have heard the concerns of the community,” Ottawa Police said in a statement Monday. Since February, we have adjusted our overall approach to all protests, events and gatherings.
“We will not allow unsafe or illegal conditions which could lead to another illegal protest as seen in February. »