Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson declared a state of emergency to help deal with an unprecedented 10-day occupation by protesting truckers that has blocked much of the centre of the Canadian capital.
“[This] reflects the serious danger and threat to the safety and security of residents posed by the ongoing demonstrations and highlights the need for support from other jurisdictions and levels of government,†Watson said in a statement on Sunday.
Watson, who complained earlier in the day that the demonstrators outnumbered police and were in control of the situation, did not give details of what measures he might impose.
Some protesters were seen waving Confederate or Nazi flags and insist the action will continue until COVID-related restrictions are lifted.
Canadian Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino said on Sunday that the government would not back down on the issue.
“We put the question of vaccines and vaccine mandates on the ballot … in the [2021] election and we’re simply carrying out the promise that we made with the support of the vast majority of Canadians,†he said on CBC television.
Amid residents’ fury at the lack of an official response, Ottawa police relocated some protesters and put up fresh barricades on Sunday, saying they are “collecting financial, digital, vehicle registration … and other evidence that will be used in criminal prosecutionsâ€.
They also announced they would clamp down on people attempting to bring in canisters to refuel the hundreds of large trucks blocking most roads in the city centre.
The City advises residents traffic and service impacts will continue on Monday, February 7. Residents are advised to avoid non-essential travel, especially in the downtown core.[break]
The following services will see delays or cancellations:
• The Ottawa Public Library’s(link is external) Main and Rideau branches will remain closed
oday.
These amenities include: Rink of Dreams and Underground municipal parking lot.
• Many roadways across the city will experience traffic delays and disruptions. In addition, details may change on short notice and additional roads may be affected. Residents can continue to check our online traffic map(link is external) for up-to-date information on traffic delays and disruptions due to the demonstrations.
• Ottawa Public Health’s (OPH) Lowertown Vaccine Hub, located at the Jules Morin Fieldhouse on 400 Clarence Street East, will remain closed today.
• The vaccination clinic at the University of Ottawa Minto Sports Complex will remain closed until Wednesday, February 9. Those who had appointments at either of those locations can take advantage of available drop-in offerings at other community clinics or rebook their appointment.
• The City has delayed resumption of its appointments for in-person counter service at its City Hall location until further notice. Service Ottawa and Building Code Services appointment-holders will be contacted directly over the next couple of days.
• All bus routes with service downtown are expected to remain on detour, until service can be reliably returned to downtown streets. Residents who need to travel in and out of the downtown core should use O-Train Line 1.
• With the truck demonstration situation remaining very fluid, the City has contingencies in place for any accumulating snow. The City intends to keep focus on pedestrian and emergency access routes through the area, clearing and treating sidewalks and facilitating the safe movement of emergency vehicles.
• At this time, the City is not anticipating an impact to residential waste collection as a result of the demonstration. Residents can stay informed of curbside collection delays by signing up to receive notifications through the Ottawa Collection Calendar app; download the app or simply register for email updates by entering an address online.
Street-side receptacles and litter are being addressed where access permits. ■