9 people arrested after demonstrations in Ottawa

Nine people have been arrested following a day of demonstrations around the city, including on Uplands Drive, Elgin Street and Wellington Street.

The Ottawa Police Service (OPS) first responded to a demonstration on Uplands Drive during the morning of Wednesday, May 29, where eight arrests were made — five men and three women. All were charged with mischief and further charges could be laid, police told CityNews in an email.

Five of those individuals were processed and released later in the afternoon, while three were remanded into custody and are set to appear in court on Thursday.

Later on Wednesday around 1 p.m., a group of demonstrators blocked the intersection of Wellington and O’Connor Streets.

The OPS says members of its Liaison Team tried to engage the group to move from the roadway in the interest of public safety.

Police say demonstrators were given multiple notices and ample time to vacate the road, but as of around 4:45 p.m., attempts to negotiate a better location for the demonstration had failed.

In an effort to reopen Wellington Street, public order units were called in to move any remaining demonstrators onto the sidewalk and police say the group was provided further opportunities to leave voluntarily.

The group was then advised that anyone who remained would be arrested for mischief. One person was arrested, and Wellington Street reopened at approximately 6 p.m.

At approximately 5:45 p.m., some of the demonstrators from the Wellington Street group began an unplanned march southbound on Elgin Street.

The group protested outside Ottawa police headquarters at 474 Elgin Street until shortly before 8 p.m., then dispersed.

“The role of the police is to uphold community safety and security, enforce the laws and allow for lawful demonstrations,” said the OPS in a press release. “We remain committed to ensuring that Ottawa remains a safe and inclusive place for all.”