Mayor of Ottawa Jim Watson And Deputy Police Chief Steve Bell said people shouldn't be afraid to come downtown to celebrate Canada Day this year, even if "free" protesters are part of the party ..
Watson encouraged people to attend a face-to-face bash on July 1st after a two-year pandemic virtual celebration.
The Canadian "will not be bullied and will not discourage celebrating off this beautiful country we call Canada," he said at a media conference on Monday.
"People who come here to thwart these wonderful celebrations will be dealt with with all their might. They are not going to be warned ... If the law is broken, who will do it? Results will come regardless of whether they are defeated. "
A group protesting the mandatory COVID-19 vaccine and other pandemic public health measures held several events downtown Canada Day. He says he is planning. A picnic on the lawn of the Supreme Court during the day, a speech down Wellington Street to the City Hall in the afternoon, and a "dance party" at the Houses of Parliament from 5 pm. Until 8:00 pm
Secretary Bell expects Canada Day to be more crowded this year and hundreds of thousands of people in downtown. Told.
Celebration spreads. Concerts and fireworks hosted by Canadian Cultural Heritage have been moved to Lebreton Flats and nearby Place des Festivals Zibi in Gatineau. During the day, an aerial show will be held at the Parliament Building, and at the Ottawa Jazz Fest, a free concert will be held at Marion Dewar Plaza in the City Hall.
Bell told the unit last winter that it was determined to deal with threats, illicit acts, or attempts at another profession, such as the "Freedom Convoy" truck driver in downtown. He said there was a "comprehensive safety plan" to take.
Canada Day celebrities need to expect significant police presence in downtown and throughout the city with the support of RCMP and other troops, Bell said.
"We have multiple resources, including offensive troops, transportation teams, tow trucks, and quick response teams."
Police also have the authority to enter public or private property on behalf of the owner and eliminate anyone attempting to occupy the property or install structures, Bell said. ..
"We will do our best to keep our city and its inhabitants safe."
Bell is an inhabitant of Ottawa. Said that the trauma of the "free convoy" illegally occupying downtown Ottawa last winter still remains.
Vehicles and idling trucks blocked the street for three weeks, horns rang unstoppably until the court ordered a stop, protesters held a dance party, set up a hot tub, and set off fireworks. I'm scared and scared.
Bell said police learned from that experience and the April "Rolling Thunder" protests when traffic control zones were set up downtown.
There is a similar strategy for Canada Day. A "Vehicle Control Zone" will be set up downtown from June 29th to July 4th with the aim of keeping out protesters. Zones may shift depending on the situation and may expand to include ByWard Market.
Canadians have the right to demonstrate, but police guarantee that the case is safe and peaceful, Bell said.
It is not clear whether the "Freedom" group has permission to hold a dance party in the Capitol and a picnic to perform a concert on the lawn of the Supreme Court.
The Commission for the Use of Parliamentary Hill has confirmed that it has approved the event request for Canada Day. "The details of the application are confidential," the committee said.
According to the Canadian Department of Public Services and Procurement, the Supreme Court's lawn leaves the decision of permitted events to the court, providing logistics and security as needed. I am saying.
Bell said protesters would not be allowed to install structures, dance party speakers, or camping tents.
"We are very clear about it. As long as the protest is legal and taking place where it is permitted, no problem will occur."
On June 30, military veteran James Top is planning a march protesting the COVID-19 vaccine obligations that begin at the western end of the city and end at the National War Memorial for the ceremony.
Bell said the Ottawa police were "planning" to ensure their safety during the march, but did not give details.
"We are planning to contact Mr. Top and his group to allow him to move safely and legally from the western end of downtown " Bell. Said.
The march organizer said in a video posted on social media that police will provide escorts.
jmiller@postmedia.com
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