Expect traffic delays as March for Life moves through downtown Thursday

Ottawa residents should expect traffic disruptions on Thursday afternoon when the anti-abortion eventMarch for Lifemovesthrough the downtown core.

The march is expected to start on Parliament Hill. Protesterswill leavethe Hill around 1:30 p.m.and walkthrough the downtowncore before returning to the Hill around 3 p.m.

In a news release Wednesday, Ottawa police saidthey expect rolling road closures starting at 1 p.m.and urged commuters to find alternate routes for their afternoon drives.

Wellington Street from Bank Street to Elgin Street remains closed to vehicles after the weeks-long Freedom Convoy occupation of some downtown streets in late January and February.

The National March for Life has been held annually in the capital for 25 years, according to the march's website. It was completely virtual in 2020 andreturned in a hybrid form in 2021.

The march is held on the anniversary of the day in 1969 when omnibus Bill C-150 was passed, decriminalizing contraception and allowing abortion in certain circumstances. Its website says it has also protested medical assistance in dying laws since 2016.

In past yearsthe march has drawn crowds of thousands, along with counter-protesters.

This year, Planned Parenthood will set up a table near the statue of Terry Foxacross from Parliament Hill to distribute safe sex supplies andinformation. Staff andvolunteers will also hold signs advertising the organization's services.