Hamilton (HPS) police say they are preparing for a possible protest in the city as other municipalities across Ontario hear about planned convoy protests over the weekend.
The move comes amid the rumble of a “slow roll to town hall” campaign that travels along King Street from Battlefield House Museum in Stoney Creek around 12:00 on Saturday.
Last weekend, a small group of about 100 protesters could be seen in front of Hamilton’s town hall the same day that traffic in Ottawa was stopped by large rigs queuing outside the parliament buildings.
Read more:
Toronto police close some downtown roads as officials prepare for expected ‘convoy’ protests
Jackie Penman, HPS spokeswoman, told Global News that they were aware of Saturday’s potential protest and that the police would monitor to “keep the peace”.
“We will strive to minimize the impact on the traveling public and ensure order and public safety,” Penman said.
“We encourage the public to look at information on road closures and monitor local media for information and alternative routes.”
The Toronto Police Department (TPS) has closed roads around hospitals and took several steps Friday to prepare for an expected “convoy” protest at Queen’s Park this weekend.
At stake is the possible blockade of several hospitals located just south of the government building – a stretch of downtown known as “hospital drive.”
“These closures could stay in place all weekend,” TPS tweeted.
“We will continue to evaluate the situation and make any adjustments where necessary. We will continue to keep the public informed. Please avoid demonstration areas, where possible, as this is likely to cause delays. ”
On Thursday, Premier Doug Ford met 900 CHML’s Good Morning Hamilton‘s Rick Zamperin about the potential protests in Toronto and said he understands the bitterness of some.
“I just hope it is always a peaceful protest. We live in a democracy (so) if people want to come down and protest, God bless them. I understand their frustration, “said Ford.
During a health care funding meeting with Canada’s premieres on Friday, Ford’s tone changed somewhat, referring to the Ottawa situation as an “occupation” that was “unacceptable.”
“Man, let’s put an end to this,” Ford said.
‘We’re so close – so, so close to returning to normal. We must be united. “
Niagara Police Aware of ‘Planned Events’
Niagara Regional Police (NRPS) say they are aware of “planned events” in their area and will also monitor it “to ensure participants and community safety.”
Social media postings in that region point to a potential convoy on Highway 8 starting in Niagara-on-the-Lake.
Spokeswoman Stephanie Sabourin says the service will use discretion to manage any situations that arise and will avoid escalation.
“Depending on the location of the protests, whether in town or on a highway, will determine a response from NRPS or OPP,” Sabourin said in an email to Global News.
“Niagara Regional Police will not provide guidance for the protest and expect all participants to follow the Highway Traffic Act and take appropriate road safety measures.”
© 2022 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
Reference-globalnews.ca