Security preparations underway at Queen’s Park ahead of possible weekend trucker protest
Posted February 1, 2022 7:22 pm.
Last Updated February 3, 2022 11:39 am.
Security preparations are underway at Queen’s Park in Toronto ahead of a possible weekend trucker protest against COVID-19 vaccination mandates.
A “Convoy for Freedom Toronto” flyer circulating online calls for truckers and supporters to meet at various locations in southern Ontario on Saturday before driving to Queen’s Park by noon.
CityNews reached out to the apparent organizers to try and confirm the protest, but a response wasn’t received by the time of publication.
#UPDATE The OPP tell @CityNews they're aware of potential protest activity being planned at Queens Park in the coming days. While they cannot share "operational plans" their focus is on keeping the peace and to respect the rights of freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. https://t.co/q3uAwOL182
— Adrian Ghobrial (@AdrianGhobrial) February 2, 2022
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) oversee security at the legislature and say they are aware of a potential rally but cannot disclose security plans.
“Our role is to ensure public safety and to keep the peace and we respects the right of everyone to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly,” the OPP in a statement to CityNews.
RELATED: Doug Ford tells truckers convoy to go home
Workers were seen using forklifts to place large concrete planters at the entrances and exits of the front parking lot at Queen’s Park Tuesday evening, preventing any vehicles from entering.
Security staff told CityNews the planters were being placed in preparation for a potential trucker convoy.
Earlier on Tuesday, Ontario Premier Doug Ford urged protestors still in the nation’s capital to go home and “let the people of Ottawa get back to their lives.”
But organizers behind the demonstration said they’re prepared to stick around even longer by distributing fuel and supplies to the trucks clogging up Ottawa streets.
With files from Lucas Casaletto
