Dozens of vehicles and farm equipment rolled into Ottawa Saturday afternoon as part of a series of demonstrations to show solidarity with farmers protesting new government environmental regulations in the Netherlands.
Cars and trucks flying Canadian and Dutch flags traveled along Highway 417 toward downtown Ottawa, heading for a rally outside the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands on Albert Street. A convoy was due to enter the city center from the west end on Saturday afternoon while there are plans for a protest arriving from Gatineau.
There is a visible police presence in downtown Ottawa, with officers reminding people that vehicular protests are prohibited in an area stretching from Bronson Avenue to the Rideau Canal and Wellington Street to Elgin Street.
Police warn there will be temporary ramp closures along Hwy. 417 eastbound and westbound at Kent, Metcalf and Nicholas due to the demonstration.
Police also reported seeing farm equipment on the streets in the city.
“We want to remind everyone that in Ontario you cannot drive farm equipment on highways like the 417 and 416 unless there is no other access to the farmland you are working on and the land must border a 400 series highway,” police said on Twitter.
Photos on social media show several pieces of farm equipment and pickup trucks parked on a road off Hwy. 417 Casselman’s eating.
Freedom Fighters Canada organized the We Move As One demonstration, “standing as one in solidarity with our Dutch brothers and sisters,” according to a statement on the group’s website.
Here’s what we know about today’s protest:
TEMPORARY STOP SIGNS PROHIBITED
Ottawa bylaw states that a temporary no stopping zone will be in place in downtown Ottawa, warning vehicles will be ticketed and towed today.
No stopping signs are posted in an area from Bronson Avenue in the west to the Rideau Canal in the east and Wellington Street in the north to Laurier Avenue in the south.
Police are reminding everyone that Wellington Street remains closed to vehicular traffic between Elgin Street and Bank Street.
Ottawa bylaws say a temporary no-stop zone will be in place in downtown Ottawa on Saturday. (Ottawa Charter/Twitter)
POLICE WARNINGS
Ottawa police have issued a warning to drivers about possible protests in the downtown area.
“There is zero tolerance for vehicle-based demonstrations or events within the city-designated downtown area,” police said on Twitter.
“Groups that choose not to comply with these designated areas will be met with an immediate police response, including enforcement and comprehensive towing options.”
Police say demonstrations or vehicular events are prohibited in an area stretching from Bronson Avenue in the west to Waller Street in the east and Wellington Street/Rideau Street in the north to Laurier Avenue in the south, along with Booth Street, Sussex Drive and Mackenzie avenue.
Ottawa police say demonstrations or vehicle events are prohibited in the lighted area. (Ottawa Police Service/Twitter)
Roads remain open, police said.
“The central part of the city remains open and accessible. The only exception is vehicles that wish to do a vehicle-based demonstration,” says OPS.
The police also remind farmers about the rules for the movement of agricultural machinery.
“In Ontario, you cannot drive farm equipment on highways like the 417 and 416 unless there is no other access to the agricultural land you are working on and the land must border a 400 series highway,” Ottawa police said.
“You must take the shortest possible route if you use the highway to get to your land.”
“SLOW TURN” PLANS.
According to the Freedom Fighters Canada website, rallies are planned for Ottawa, Gatineau, Kingston, Brockville, Bancroft, Casselman, Russell, Smiths Falls, Cornwall and Renfrew County.
A “slow motion” of tractors, equipment and vehicles is scheduled to depart Brockville at 9:30 a.m., stop in Kemptville at 10:30 a.m., and arrive in Ottawa’s west end at 12:00 p.m. Another convoy is scheduled to depart Renfrew at 9:30 a.m., arriving in Arnprior at 10:30 a.m. and the west end of Ottawa at 12 p.m.
People are also asked to meet at 181 rue Principal in Gatineau at 11am
There is a rally planned for 2pm outside the Dutch Embassy on Albert Street.
“Convoy etiquette” on the Freedom Fighters Canada website says “no blocking roads, exits, bridges or highways” during the event and “make sure flags are properly secured.”
DUTCH FARMERS PROTEST
Farmers in the Netherlands are holding a series of demonstrations to protest the Dutch government’s new environmental targets.
Authorities have unveiled plans to cut emissions of pollutants such as nitrogen oxide and ammonia by 50 percent by 2030 to help protect the country’s more than 150 nature reserves.
In recent weeks, farmers and supporters have protested outside government offices and on highways and blockaded food distribution centers across the country.
— With files from The Associated Press
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