Mayor Jim Watson says he’s confident additional police resources will be on the ground in Ottawa by the weekend as the "Freedom Convoy" demonstration in downtown Ottawa enters a 14th day.
Ottawa police are warning protesters blocking downtown streets they could face criminal charges, and Bylaw Services is increasing fines for noise and idling violations in a bid to break up the demonstration that has gridlocked several downtown streets.
Watson says he has had "encouraging" conversations with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and federal officials for increased resources, after Ottawa police Chief Peter Sloly said the service needed an additional 1,800 officers and staff to police the demonstration.
"I have every confidence that we’ll see additional officers here for the weekend, which tend to be the more challenging times with respect to behaviour down in the red zone," Watson said on Wednesday, noting officers may have to travel from across the country to Ottawa.
"I made it very clear that there’s a sense of urgency that we need these officers sooner than later, and that message was received and acknowledged."
Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino told reporters the RCMP is coordinating with Ottawa police and Ontario Provincial Police on additional resources.
"We will continue to provide that support, as much as we can," Mendicino said, adding officials are studying the Ottawa police plan for more resources.
Watson was scheduled to speak with Ontario Solicitor General Sylvia Jones later on Wednesday.
Police are warning people remaining in the demonstration zone that it is a criminal offence to obstruct, interrupt or interfere with the lawful use, enjoyment or operation of property.
"The unlawful act of blocking streets in the downtown core is resulting in people being denied the lawful use, enjoyment and operation of their property," police said, adding the offence is known as mischief to property.
"We are providing you notice that anyone blocking streets or assisting others in the block of streets may be committing a criminal offence. You must immediately cease further unlawful activity or you may face charges."
Meantime, Ottawa Bylaw Services received judicial approval to increase fines for bylaw offences.
Fines for violations (previous fine in parenthesis)
- Noise Bylaw – $1,000 ($490)
- Idling Bylaw – $1,000 ($100)
- Use of Care of Road Bylaw – $1,000 ($350)
- Open Air Fire Bylaw – $1,000 ($100)
INJUNCTION
The city of Ottawa’s top lawyer says the city is in conversation with Ottawa police about a possible injunction targeting the demonstration.
"My team is ready to move quickly, we are prepared … that material is ready to go, we just need to identify what we would be asking the court to stop. And then what the enforcement tools would look like," city solicitor David White said.
White says the city must ensure the injunction application isn’t too broad and police can enforce it.
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Truckers continue to block Wellington Street in front of Parliament Hill on Day 13 of the “Freedom Convoy” demonstration in Ottawa. (Josh Pringle/CTV News Ottawa)
‘Freedom Convoy’ protestors occupy downtown Ottawa.
