A police cruiser parked in a quiet residential area of Toronto with services stopping atAvenue Road,University Avenue, andCollege Street. Dormant bus was common throughout February 2022.
These were visual cues of the Toronto Police Service's massive operation on February 2-2. 27 in Snowy City - A force working to deter and discourage live-in protests and occupations that would bring downtown Ottawa to a halt.
According to figures obtained by Global News through a Freedom of Information request, the Toronto Police have spent $7.6 million on local operations to stop the so-called "Freedom Convoy" from taking over the city. An additional $1.2 million in police and resources to support Ottawa police in both February and April.
The Toronto Police Service's budget is approved by the Toronto Police Service Commission and approved by the Toronto City Council. The 2022 budget is about $1.1 billion.
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On January 28, a convoy of protesters descended from across Canada into downtown Ottawa.
The stated purpose of the protest is to remove all COVID-19 orders across Canada, and the federal vaccine order for cross-border truck drivers is a simple extension of the group's protest. It's been a good explanation.
Arriving in Ottawa, the convoy remained in the city for approximately three weeks, occupying the area in front of the Capitol and several residential neighborhoods.
Roaring truck horns, DJs playing music, and late-night parties were a constant occurrence in the capital.
Between January 28 and February 22, he sent officers from Toronto to Ottawa to assist overwhelmed local police, according to figures obtained from the Toronto Police. The regular salary of Toronto Police Service staff cost him over $112,000, and overtime cost him $554,962.
Toronto paramedics also cost him $41,866 to help in Ottawa, while the Toronto Fire Department cost him $22,100 in Ottawa protests.
READ MORE: Crowds Arrest During Truck Driver 'Convoy' Protest In Toronto
In reality, the so-called "Freedom Convoy" isn't limited to weekend protests, with Toronto police embarking on a multimillion-dollar operation to thwart attempts to take over the Capitol area.
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Police data show a Toronto-based operation to control Toronto's "truck convoy" It took place between February 2nd and February 27th — the total cost is $7,636,988.
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"We do not disclose operational tactics, but in light of what happened in Ottawa , a tremendous amount of planning and resources has been put into supporting these weekend operations in order to reduce the impact on critical infrastructure, businesses, residents and roads," said a Toronto Police spokesman. told Global News.
The weekend of February 5 and 6 saw a particularly large police presence — marked by helicopters, police cars and large machinery —
}University Avenue is a street along College Street between University Avenue and Yonge Street closed between College and Queen. Queen's Park Crescent, Queen Street West and parts of Bay Street were also affected by the closure.
"More rolling and static closures are expected in and around the downtown core throughout the weekend," police said at the time.
John Torrey of Toronto at the time The mayor said the police were preparing.
READ MORE: Toronto police slam downtown roads as authorities prepare for expected 'convoy' protests
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Large protests and rallies were held that weekend, along with University Avenue Bloor Street was closed at the crossroads, but protesters were evacuated by the end of the weekend and stayed in the city for longer periods.
"Ultimately, the actions we have taken in highly dynamic circumstances, working with our public and private sector partners, have helped to maintain public safety and enable peaceful demonstrations. We have successfully prevented undue disruption," said a Toronto Police spokesman. He said.
Most of the public funds used to avert the occupation of Toronto ($6.8 million) went to overtime payments to police officers, while $132,299 went into benefits. said the Freedom of Information figures.
Police also spent his $174,578 on tow trucks.
Ontario Police were also used in preventative operations, along with officers from Peel, Barry, Hamilton and Waterloo. According to information released under the Freedom of Information, the cost came to approximately $545,539.
The information read: "Invoices and details have not yet been submitted or confirmed."
Police operations continued through February, with periodic road closures and police presence around Congress and downtown Toronto.
When the so-called "Rolling Thunder" protests took place in Ottawa in April, Toronto Police spent an additional $333,550 to assist police in the capital.
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Toronto police announced in February that he had received $1.2 million of his $1.2 million offer during protests in April. talked about funds.
— with files by Gabby Rodrigues and Ryan Rocca of Global News
© 2022 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.