‘There’s no one size fits all’: Interim police chief addresses plans ahead of Rolling Thunder Convoy

Ahead of another convoy expected to roll in to the capital, Ottawa's interim chief of police addressed tentative preparations.

During the Ottawa Police Services Board (OPSB) meeting on Monday, April 25, one of the main concerns Steve Bell addressed was potential delays to transit this weekend.

“We have raised concerns, they have raised concerns,” he said. “And as part of the planning we've taken into account the fact that there could be challenges or disruptions and OC Transpo is looking at plans on how to properly respond to those potential issues.” 

It is believed that the groups will make their way into Ottawa on Friday, April 29, interim chief Bell said, adding that most of the “activity” is planned for Saturday, April 30. The Ottawa Police Service (OPS), he said, is working with city services in hopes to maintain vehicle traffic and intersections during the weekend for residents living or working in the downtown core. Certain areas, he added, could be restricted to pedestrians only to alleviate the anticipated traffic. 

In an effort to enhance public safety, the OPS plans to receive additional resources from other police services such as the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and the RCMP.

Bell says he's heard from residents and especially businesses, who still feel the impact from the so-called “freedom” convoy. He hopes to 'lessen' the impact felt on businesses in the downtown area, saying that they're “front and centre” when it comes to the convoy planning. But for now, he says, the OPS is planning for different situations.

“We are planning for several different series of eventualities or potential circumstances that could exist,” he said. “It's not a one-size-fits-all plan, we know we have to be nimble and adaptive.” 

Although the OPS has gotten in touch with the organizers of the Rolling Thunder convoy, he says that it's still too early to know just how many people will make their way into the city come Friday. 

“We continue to finalize our plans to ensure this event is peaceful, lawful and orderly,” he said. “I will continue to update the public and the board in the days coming ahead.”