Residents of downtown Ottawa are preparing for Canada Day, unlike anyone else, after protesters from the Freedom Convoy vowed to return to Parliament Hill on July 1 and maintain their presence for the rest of the summer.
Every day in Canada, people gather on the hill of Parliament in Ottawa to watch musical performances and fireworks on the anniversary of the Canadian Confederation. This year, it will probably be difficult for the police to distinguish between celebrants and convoy members – which the protesters are counting on.
In late January, groups opposed to the vaccine and mask mandate drove tractors and other large vehicles to downtown Ottawa and set up camp. The ensuing three-week occupation of the capital was a traumatic experience for many locals, who faced harassment, constant noise and other unwanted encounters, said Ariel Troster, a candidate for the Somerset City Council in Ottawa.
“Many people were driven from their homes, many were harassed, there were at least two cases where people walked on people’s feet. “There were reports of apartment buildings in which convoys took over the laundry room and did not want to leave,” Troster said. “Not to mention the symbols of hatred, which were quite visible not only on the hill, but also in the neighborhoods.
Telegram group communications, YouTube videos and other channels show that convoy sympathizers believe in the theory of replacing whites and other conspiracies. Activists and QAnon propaganda were often seen during the winter occupation.
In the end, it cost the city $ 36 million in police spending and led to a proposed class action lawsuit against protest organizers.
Now that Canada has rejected most seats, the convoys appear to be pushing for Justin Trudeau’s resignation as prime minister. They are gaining popularity among conservative politicians, recently meeting with their “allies” in parliament.
The Ottawa Police Department (OPS) has promised to thwart any new attempt to occupy the city. The forces are under enormous pressure to make Canada Day immediately after its many failures to control the previous occupation.
At a meeting of the police board on Monday, OPS interim chief Steve Bell said the increased police presence and roadblocks restricting the number of authorized vehicles in the center may not be able to stop escorts from arriving on foot, but will prevent of people to set up camp.
“Canada Day is a very important day for Canadians. This is a day when we celebrate our country and all the good things in it. But when people come, they have to be legal. And they have to respect our community, “Bell said.
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