Ottawa asks Superior Court for injunction to stop noise, idling at anti-mandate protest

The City of Ottawa has asked the Ontario Superior Court of Justice for an injunction against people continuing to violate city bylaws during the ongoing protest in the city by anti-government and anti-mandate demonstrators.

City solicitor David White says it is hoped the injunction will rein in the “widespread disregard” for the law by people participating in what police say is an illegal demonstration.

In particular, the city is looking for an injunction against noise, idling, fireworks, open-air fires, encroachments on highways and illegal use of parks and city facilities.

On Monday, Ontario Superior Court Justice Hugh McLean granted a 10-day injunction to prevent truckers parked on city streets in downtown Ottawa from incessantly honking their horns. That will expire next week, on February 17.

A lawyer representing organizers of the trucker protest argued that their voices have been largely ignored by the government and they deserve the right to peacefully protest.

An Ontario Superior Court justice delayed hearing an application for an injunction that would stop protesters blocking Canada-bound traffic at the Ambassador Bridge border crossing in Windsor, Ont. Chief Justice Geoffrey Morawetz says he understands that the matter is urgent, but the application is “serious in nature” and the defendants should be given the chance to make their case.

Submissions will be heard on Saturday at noon, Morawetz said.

Premier Doug Ford declared a state of emergency in the province on Friday, saying protesters blocking border crossings, critical infrastructure or key highways could face fines of up to $100,000 and a year in jail.

Ottawa’s mayor Jim Watson declared a state of emergency on Sunday saying there is a serious threat to the safety and security of residents.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says the illegal blockades Canadians are seeing at the border and Parliament Hill are from people frustrated by the COVID-19 pandemic, assuring that all options are on the table to bring them to an end.

“Unfortunately we know this pandemic doesn’t end because we cross our arms and decide that it’s over,” Trudeau said on Friday. “This pandemic will end by following science, by supporting each other, and by being there for each other as Canadians have done for the past two years.”