Egan: There are no bouncy castles or hot tubs in Rolling Thunder. This time we are serious.

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Somehow, the biggest question wasn’t asked at Thursday’s press conference about the impending “Rolling Thunder” demo this weekend.

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Can we keep the bouncy castles and hot tubs outside the gates of Parliament?

So we met with Ottawa’s interim police chief, Steve Bell, a little later. “That’s a very good question,” he replied, when asked if the police are equipped to stop protesters on foot from carrying all sorts of items, whether it’s a small barbecue, a small generator, a tent or a shopping cart. hotdogs on wheels, or a wheelbarrow full of diesel fuel, or a cooler full of beer, or a case of fireworks.

He offered a general statement, without addressing all possible scenarios individually.

“We are not going to allow conditions to exist that will create illegal behavior or any type of protest or illegal occupation, like a bouncy castle, like a hot tub, like a generator.” (Those would be prohibited, by ordinance, on public roads).

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While the question sounds a bit frivolous, we were trying to make a point: You can close off Wellington Street to all vehicular traffic, you can create an “exclusion zone” for many blocks, but that doesn’t stop people from trying to on foot, on a bike, in a wagon or in a stroller—any and all nonsense.

I mean, the “Freedom Convoy” had its own daycare and play structures. Hence our persistent paranoia.

Chief Bell said police will not allow protesters to build anything resembling a structure, adding that Public Works, which oversees the National War Memorial, has not issued a permit for a Saturday event nor will it allow any “infrastructure.” which will be installed near the memorial.

Listening to the briefing, I was thinking of that adage about fighting the next war as if it were the last, but using the same weapons and strategy and just hoping for a better outcome. But it looks like we have a few more tricks up our sleeves this time.

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First of all, I wouldn’t be surprised if “Rolling Thunder” turned out to be “Quiet Rumbling”. The numbers don’t appear to be massive, the goals seem fairly modest, and the police presence could potentially be huge, even shoulder-to-shoulder, if need be. (Around 800 RCMP officers and civilians have been designated as potential backup.)

With the relaxation of COVID restrictions across Canada, one would think that the white-hot anger of February would probably have cooled down, so the enthusiasm for day-long camps would probably have subsided.

As with “Freedom Convoy,” there’s a “what are you talking about” quality to the Thunder’s objectives. One of the main organizers has said that the veterans want to “take back” the National War Memorial.

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You know, you can visit it at any time. It is open 24/7. As for “taking” anything, the memorial doesn’t “belong” to veterans, it belongs to everyone, including veterans, veterans’ families, and those lucky enough and grateful enough not to have endured the hardships of war or sacrifice involved in military service. .

(My grandfather, Norman, served in World War I, and when I was a kid I asked my dad one day which of the gun-drawing bronze soldiers was dad. So yeah, the monument means a lot of things to a lot of people. )

Chief Bell indicated that the police are prepared for almost any eventuality. Heavy machinery and barriers will block key streets. You will not be forced to stop or park along the appropriate routes. Statutes officers and tow trucks will be ready. Excessive noise will generate a response. Officers will be at key intersections to watch and monitor activity.

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It will not be like the pitched battle in February, where laws were openly broken, a public street was seized and a virtual circus, complete with a stage and daily performers, broke out in the middle of a city of disheveled bystanders.

“We have the resources that we think we need to execute our plan,” he said, declining to say exactly how many boots will be on the ground. “Our numbers will fluctuate depending on what happens.”

(And isn’t “acting” Chief Bell, who helped “liberate” the city from the convoy blockade, having what amounts to the longest job interview for the top job? I mean, just give the man the big badge now).

On Sunday or Monday morning, the police operation may very well look like an overreaction to a group of peaceful bikers in a quiet fight. It’s a criticism that wouldn’t bother Chief Bell.

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“To me, that would be a measure of success.”

To contact Kelly Egan, call 613-291-6265 or email [email protected]

Twitter.com/kellyegancolumn