More protestors are expected to join the convoy already in Ottawa today (sat). The Ottawa Police Service says on their website that they and their partners are implementing a surge and contain strategy in Ottawa’s downtown neighbourhoods to further protect neighbourhoods, restore order and prevent unlawful activity. An additional 150 uniformed and non-uniformed officers will be patrolling the impacted neighbourhoods. The Ottawa Police Service will be using concrete and heavy equipment barricades to block-off access to roadways throughout the downtown core. Protestor vehicles will be directed to designated parking zones outside of the downtown core. Illegal parking by demonstrators will result in the removal and the impounding of vehicles. If necessary, police say interprovincial bridges, highway off ramps and/or roads will be closed.
Ottawa Police are expecting an additional 300 to 400 trucks to join the crowd today while preparing for a thousand counter protestors downtown who are opposed to the Freedom Convoy.
According to Ottawa media, fences have been set up around the Tomb of Unknown Soldier and the National War Memorial. Last weekend, videos were posted online showing someone dancing on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
GoFundMe has pulled its support of the Freedom Convoy in Ottawa. The plan is to have most of the more than $10 million dollars raised to be reimbursed or redirected to charity. In a post the crowdfunding site said “GoFundMe supports peaceful protests and we believe that was the intention of the Freedom Convoy 2022 fundraiser when it was first created.” GoFundMe went on to say We now have evidence from law enforcement that the previously peaceful demonstration has become an occupation, with police reports of violence and other unlawful activity.” Donors have until February 19th to request a refund online. Protestors in the nation’s capital say they plan to stay until COVID-19 restrictions are lifted. GoFundMe had previously released $1 million dollars of the funds raised to the convoy organizers. The Freedom Convoy fundraiser was the second largest for GoFundMe ever in Canada. The one established after the Humboldt Broncos bus crash raised over $15 million dollars in 2018.
Protests are also planned to take place in Toronto and Regina Saturday.
(photo from Twitter)
