Ottawa police enhancing presence in downtown core ‘from time to time’, monitoring potential vehicle protests

The Ottawa Police Service (OPS) is advising the public of an increased police presence in the downtown core over the next few weeks as it monitors the potential of any vehicle type protests. 

It's been nearly one year since the 'Freedom Convoy' took over the city's downtown core and impacted the lives of residents and the business flow of local establishments for nearly one month. 

…address any type of scenario and will not allow the conditions to occur that resulted in the February 2022 convoy.

We are constantly assessing the situation, and we remain committed to the safety and well-being of our residents.

— Ottawa Police (@OttawaPolice) January 20, 2023

Demonstrators simultaneously gathered and blocked multiple border crossings around the country.

The border blockades led to the federal government’s decision to invoke the Emergencies Act for the first time.

“Although we are not seeing specific information to indicate that there will be large-scale demonstrations or protests in Ottawa, the potential for some level of protests exists,” the OPS said in a Twitter thread. “As such, we will have resources, logistics, traffic, towing and staffing plans in place to address any type of scenario and will not allow the conditions to occur that resulted in the February 2022 convoy.”

A 'Freedom Convoy 2.0' was planned for Ottawa from Feb. 17 to Feb. 21, 2023, and later changed to Feb. 17 to Feb. 20, 2023 in Winnipeg. 

While organizers have cancelled the follow up rally altogether, the OPS said it is still assessing the situation. 

“We remain committed to the safety and well-being of our residents,” the OPS tweet said. “We are very aware of and sensitive to community concerns.”

We encourage visitors and residents to come to Ottawa and enjoy our beautiful city. We will continue to update residents on any new information.

— Ottawa Police (@OttawaPolice) January 20, 2023