Ottawa’s statutes say it has ordered a small group of people to remove a table they set up on Wellington Street in front of Parliament ahead of expected Canadian Day protests.
In a tweet, the Ottawa Charter said the tables were ordered to be removed on Monday.
The tables were ordered to be removed yesterday after being placed on Wellington Street and Metcalfe.
There is zero tolerance for the placement of tables or any materials (including tents) that make it difficult for sidewalks or roads during the upcoming protests. (1/3) #OttCity #OttNews pic.twitter.com/66ZQkKYS8i
– Statute of Ottawa (@OttawaBylaw) June 28, 2022
“There is zero tolerance for the placement of tables or any materials (including tents) that make it difficult for sidewalks or roads during the upcoming protests,” the tweet said.
However, the bylaw states that no charges have been filed because the people at the table complied with the request to remove it.
A photo shared by the Ottawa Statute shows a white table placed next to a sign that appears to refer to Freedom King convoy Pat King and the words “line,” although part of the sign was obscured by a lamppost. The phrase “hold the line” was a unifying cry for the occupiers last winter when they were pushed out of the city center by the police.
“While we respect the fundamental right to protest, we ask in return that the protesters respect the people of Ottawa, in compliance with all municipal regulations,” the Ottawa Statute said.
Groups have announced plans to protest in Ottawa against the remaining public health measures under COVID-19 and against the liberal government of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
This comes as Ottawa police prepare for what they call Canada’s “unprecedented” day.
With the main stage at LeBreton Flats this year due to a large pit on Parliament Hill due to construction, Ottawa police say their footprint at the center of Canada Day will extend about three miles from Flats to ByWard Market. Hundreds of RCMP staff have been recruited to support local police forces. A vehicle control area is also being set up.
Speaking to CTV News at noon, Ottawa Interim Police Chief Steve Bell said officers would be prepared to respond to any attempts to reoccupy the city and people should feel safe to celebrate Canada Day.
“The trauma our community suffered in February is at the heart of all our planning,” he said. “Canada Day is about celebrating our country … We want to encourage people to come down and we want to tell them that you can go down to a large area that will have a festive environment.”
Bell said there would be protests, but as long as they were legal, downtown Ottawa would be “an amazing place for Canada Day.”
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