OPP warns demonstrators at Highway 6 blockade in Caledonia they could face charges

Provincial police have read a notice to demonstrators blockingHighway 6 in Caledonia, saying they could face charges unless they clear the road.

In an email to CBC News Const. Rodney LeClair confirmed the notice was read at 3 p.m. Tuesday at both demonstration locations.

"The notice informed the demonstrators that their actions were deemed illegal and they could face charges," he wrote, adding the OPP left the blockades after the notice was read.

The notice did not include a deadline for demonstrators to clear the road, according to LeClair.

The notice was read out on the same day Haldiman-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett stood up at Queen's Park and asked for helping removing the roadblock.

"We respect the rights of a peaceful protest, but enough is enough," he said. "Tear down this blockade."

The Highway 6 bypass between Argyle Street South and Greens Road has been shut down since Feb. 24.

Police have warned drivers to expect delays and urged them to remain patient.

Demonstrators say they've blocked the road in solidarity with Wet'suwet'enhereditary chiefs, whooppose construction of the Coastal GasLinkpipelinethrough their territory in northern B.C. and said theyintend to stay until their demands are met.

A post on a Facebook page called Idle No More Hamilton describes the OPP reading out a "dispersal notice" and describedthe situation as "tense."

"We are not going anywhere ... and our line will stand," it reads.

"As Haudenosaunee People it is our duty to stand for the water and the land, and for our future generations."

MPP says businesses are suffering

Barrett said businesses in bothCaledonia and on Six Nations territory are suffering because of the blockade.

Dan Lawrence, who represents Haldimand County on the Caledonia BIA, also expressed concerns about the impact detours are having on the community's infrastructure and the danger of crashes happening because of increased traffic.

He added that unlike other demonstrations across Canada that targeted rail lines and the Canadian economy, the blockade on Highway 6 is only hurting locals.

"We're collateral damage. This isn't doing one bit of good to foster any talks with the powers that be. Caledonia and Six Nations? We mean nothing to the economic engine of Canada."