UPDATE: Police say convoy activity passes through Ottawa ‘without incidents’

The Ottawa Police Service (OPS) said convoy-related activity has safely passed through Ottawa on Tuesday, Feb. 14 one year after the federal government invoked the use of the Emergencies Act during the 'Freedom Convoy' occupation. 

The City of Ottawa said parking is restricted downtown on Tuesday due to the potential for protests marking the anniversary. 

The OPS said “our posture and resources will remain in place and we continue to monitor all potential protests, demonstrations, and possible convoys.”

This morning, all convoy-related activity safely passed through the city without any incidents.

Our posture and resources will remain in place.

We continue to monitor all potential protests, demonstrations, and possible convoys. #ottnews

— Ottawa Police (@OttawaPolice) February 14, 2023

The City advised residents and motorists of possible traffic delays along Highway 417 or the downtown core today due to the possibility of convoy activity.

“Residents and businesses will see an increased police presence from time to time in the downtown core and surrounding areas,” the City said in a release. “Illegal activity, including obstructing or impeding the flow of traffic with vehicles on any roadway will not be tolerated and will be met with swift and immediate action.”

Special parking restrictions will be in effect downtown beginning Tuesday at 6 am. Residents and visitors are advised to follow posted signage and to park their vehicles accordingly.

The City of Ottawa By-law and Regulatory Services will have additional officers in the downtown core, ensuring all parking regulations are observed. Vehicles found violating these regulations will be ticketed and towed. Exceptions will be made for permit holders and hospitality service loading zones.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau invoked the federal Emergencies Act on Feb. 14, 2022 for the first time in Canadian history. 

Only about a dozen protesters were present on Parliament Hill by midday, amid a heightened police presence in the area.

Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino says he is looking forward to receiving a report from the Public Order Emergency Commission, which investigated the federal government’s decision to invoke the law.

Justice Paul Rouleau’s report comes after the commission reviewed thousands of documents and heard from dozens of high-level witnesses, including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, during public hearings last fall. 

The report is expected to be released no later than Monday, Feb. 20 and Mendicino says he is expecting it will include recommendations and lessons for the government to review. 

With files from The Canadian Press.