Toronto police announced Wednesday they are closing off a section of the downtown core in advance of the possible arrival of a convoy of truckers protesting vaccine mandates.
“In response to several social media posts announcing a possible demonstration involving a large number of vehicles, the Toronto Police Service is taking steps to limit impact on our roads/residents,” spokesperson Const. Laura Brabant said in a statement to the Star.
Effective immediately, police have closed Queen’s Park Circle between College and Bloor streets, police said.
“Members of the public can anticipate a continued, highly visible presence of police officers within the downtown core and additional road closures as needed,” Brabant said.
Police are asking that members of the public avoid the area “unless absolutely necessary” and those who do come can expect travel delays, she said.
Tuesday evening, Chris Barber, a truck driver and organizer associated with the “Freedom Convoy” protest against COVID-19 vaccine mandates, posted a video on social media saying Ottawa “isn’t really working with us” and that drivers were going to head to Toronto.
On Wednesday, Barber, who is from Saskatchewan, told the Star via text message that his social media post was insincere.
Asked if trucks were really leaving, Barber wrote: “No. It’s a game.” I added: “Cops messed with us. We just playing back.”
Barber had earlier bemoaned how Ottawa police arrested seven people and cleared out a logistics camp protesters had set up in the parking lot of a local baseball stadium.
He said the organizers still plan to stay in Ottawa until all pandemic health restrictions are lifted.
City of Toronto officials are aware of the reports and are on “heightened alert,” says city spokesperson Brad Ross.
“Police have closed Queen’s Park Circle from College to Bloor. No impact to City Hall at this time, other than heightened awareness. Should that change, we’ll certainly let you know,” Ross said.
At an unrelated news conference Wednesday, Mayor John Tory was asked about the prospect of protestors returning to Toronto and if he’s talking to police chief James Ramer about it.
“We are having continuous conversations on this because our responsibilities are to make sure that the people of Toronto can remain safe at all times, that people can access things like medical care, that they can get to work so the economy can keep going,” Tory said.
JOIN THE CONVERSATION
Anyone can read Conversations, but to contribute, you should be a registered Torstar account holder. If you do not yet have a Torstar account, you can create one now (it is free)