UPDATE: Parliament Hill police estimate 500 will attend ‘Freedom Convoy’ anniversary

The Parliamentary Protective Service (PPS) expects 500 people to gather this weekend to mark a year since the 'Freedom Convoy' occupied downtown Ottawa.

The agency, which polices the precinct, says it will curtail some access to Parliament Hill.

The public can still use the central and east gates to access the Hill lawn, but not the gates closest to the West Block, where the Liberals are holding their caucus meeting this weekend.

The PPS said public tours have been cancelled and Ottawa police officers will enforce the closure of Wellington Street to traffic, adding public access to Parliament Hill will be restricted to the Queen's Gates and Metcalfe Gate, while the Bank Gate, O'Connor Gate, Elgin Gate, and Canal Gate will not be accessible to the public.

The area’s city councillor, Ariel Troster, said that demonstrators have a permit for a “dance party” on Parliament Hill but not for the areas controlled by the city, which includes Wellington Street.

On Twitter, she wrote Friday that the City will increase staffing of the 3-1-1 phone line this weekend to respond to any incidents.

“City staff strongly affirmed there will be zero tolerance for hate crimes,” Troster wrote in a message to local residents.

The Ottawa Police Service (OPS) and the City of Ottawa are increasing enforcement this weekend in the downtown core as the one year anniversary of the start of the 'Freedom Convoy' approaches. 

Earlier this week, OPS police chief Eric Stubbs said resources, tow trucks and staffing plans are in place as the city prepares to mark the one-year anniversary of the start of the 'Freedom Convoy'.

Residents and businesses will see an increased police presence from time to time in the downtown core and surrounding areas.

— Ottawa Police (@OttawaPolice) January 26, 2023

The OPS said it is ready for the possibility that the anniversary could spark another demonstration. Stubbs told a meeting of the Ottawa Police Services Board earlier this week that the force will not tolerate any vehicle-based protests.

During any assemblies, unlawful behaviour will be addressed promptly by Police or By-law to ensure the safety and well-being of the public.https://t.co/93GBgvMu93

— Ottawa Police (@OttawaPolice) January 26, 2023

Last year’s protests lasted more than three weeks, and a police operation to end the demonstration that had taken over the streets near Parliament Hill only unfolded after the federal Liberals invoked the Emergencies Act.

⚠️There will be special parking restrictions in the downtown core this weekend.

Enforcement of Special Event No Stopping Zones will commence this evening.

Watch for and abide by all parking signs.https://t.co/vASeJDg06z #OttCity pic.twitter.com/BGSRYnIAl5

— Ottawa By-law (@OttawaBylaw) January 27, 2023

City of Ottawa By-law and Regulatory Services (BLRS) will have additional officers in the downtown core, making sure all parking regulations are being followed. All vehicles found violating these regulations will be ticketed and towed.

In addition to parking violations, tickets will be issued to any individual or group in violation of any other City of Ottawa by-law, including:

• Unnecessary motor-vehicle or other noise, including speakers
• Construction or installation of structures on city property
• Public urination and defecation
• Open air fires
• Littering
• Lighting and discharging fireworks

There are no traffic closures planned as a result of this weekend’s events although the OPS may impose temporary closures to manage large volumes of traffic if necessary to ensure the lawful flow of traffic or public safety. Drivers should anticipate delays in the downtown core.

OC Transpo says it plans to maintain regular transit service in the capital.

A subcommittee of Ottawa city council voted this week to reopen Wellington Street to cars as soon as March, after a yearlong closure. The full council will vote on that proposal in early February.

With files from Dylan Robertson, The Canadian Press