Ottawa police are speaking out against protesters who have occupied the nation’s capital for nearly two weeks: they risk facing criminal charges if they don’t clear the streets.
“The unlawful act of blocking streets in the city center results in people being deprived of lawful employment, enjoyment and exploitation of their property. This offense is called mischief to property,” the Ottawa Police Service said in a statement.
“We warn you that anyone who blocks streets, or assists others in doing so, may thereby commit a criminal offense […] You could be arrested without a warrant for this offense if you are involved in an offense or aid another, directly or indirectly, in the commission of this offense. »
Police also warn that protesters’ vehicles and other property could be seized and possibly confiscated, and that charges or convictions related to illegal activity may prevent those charged from traveling to the United States.
The Ottawa police, however, has already estimated at 1,800 the number of additional officers that would be needed to enforce laws and regulations in the current circumstances.
The warning comes nearly two weeks after the start of the demonstration against the mandatory vaccination of cross-border truckers — and, more generally, against all public health measures.
This threat also comes after municipal officials in Ottawa met with the federal government to find solutions to end the demonstration which has paralyzed the city center of the federal capital for nearly two weeks. This demonstration then sparked other solidarity rallies, some of which blocked traffic at the border crossings in Coutts, Alberta, and at the Ambassador Bridge, Ontario.
“Crimes have been committed”
Earlier Wednesday, federal Emergency Preparedness Minister Bill Blair acknowledged that Ottawa residents had been “victimized by acts of violence and disrespect”, that “crimes had been committed”. He said that with his colleague from Public Security, Marco Mendicino, he met Tuesday evening with the mayor of Ottawa, Jim Watson, and his officials.
“We are working closely with our municipal partners to ensure that the Ottawa Police Service has the necessary law enforcement resources to restore public order and put an end to this illegal protest,” said the Minister Blair, Wednesday.
The Ottawa Police Service reported Wednesday that there have been 23 people arrested since the protest began and that 85 criminal investigations have been opened. More than 1,300 tickets were also handed out to protesters, according to police.
Deputy Chief Steve Bell added that the police were mainly focused on protecting the perimeter that surrounds the city center and preventing the delivery of fuel canisters to protesters.
City Manager Steve Kanellakos said the number of protesters had dropped significantly, but base camps had sprung up outside of downtown, including one south of Carleton University.
Citizen procedures
Earlier this week, an Ottawa judge granted a 10-day injunction ordering truckers to stop honking, which has made the downtown area noticeably quieter in recent days. The injunction was the result of an action brought by a group of citizens, not by the City.
“It shouldn’t be up to residents to seek that kind of protection from the court in cases of clearly public danger and harm,” City Councilman Jeff Leiper said Wednesday, calling the downtown paralysis a “public threat.” . “I can’t wait for the City to start asking for these injunctions. »
Meanwhile, the downtown occupation continues to shut down a multitude of Ottawa institutions and businesses. Downtown residents also continue to complain of harassment by some protesters.
The Parliamentary Precinct also reeks of diesel fumes from idling vehicles, as well as smoke from barbecues, campfires and marijuana.