Ottawa police say they're ready to shut down Canada Day occupation attempts

Ottawa city officials say they are preparedfor a "unique" Canada Day, with plans to keep anti-government protests from turning into another occupation.

The traditional nationally broadcastshows are returning for the first time since 2019, this time fromthe plaza in front of the Canadian War Museumbecause of ongoing construction on Parliament Hill.

Ottawa police say they expect more protests and larger crowds than usual during Canada Day celebrationsas groups related to the Freedom Convoy continue to plan demonstrations. Some in those groups have indicated they'd like to protest through July and August.

"This is expected to be a unique Canada Day, with larger crowds and a larger event footprint," interim Ottawa police Chief Steve Bell said during aMonday news conference.

WATCH | Interim police Chief Steve Bell talks about plans for Canada Day

Police promise swift and decisive action against any Canada Day occupation attempts

2 years ago

Duration 0:37

Steve Bell, interim Ottawa police chief, says protesters will not be allowed to set up structures like sheds or tents, or have their own dance parties on city streets.

"We've developed our plans in the shadow of the unlawful protests and Rolling Thunder event. We've been speaking with community members and businesses and we're very aware of the lingering trauma and concern about what they're hearing after those events."

Bell said officers will allow legal protests whileshutting downillegal activities, including setting up structures or speakerswithout a permitandthe threat of occupation, like on downtown streets in the winter.

He said police have been following online commentary andtrying to talk to people who've said they're coming to protest.

"[We've] planned, we're prepared and we have the resources," Bellreplied when answering a question about whether police were ready to step in again like they did in late April, when attempts to gather near the Rideau Centre mall were shut down by officers.

Provincial police andthe RCMP have offered helpto shut down occupation attempts as long as there's a risk, he said.

The Ottawa Police Services Board received an update on plans for Canada Day when it met Monday evening.

Bell spoke about the toll recent months have taken on officers, noting the demand is not "sustainable" and describing police as "fatigued" ahead of the long weekend.

"For this event we've actually had to cancel days off, we've cancelled discretionary time off, called people back from annual leave," said the chief. "This is an all hands on deck event, but that has a cost on the health and wellbeing of our members."

At least 5 days of traffic control

Last week, Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson told people thinking of coming to the capital "not to be intimidated by individuals who may be coming to Ottawa to cause trouble."

He said Monday he wants this to be a safe, festive event for children and families and thatpeople who "come to disrupt" will be dealt with, without a warning.

Bell told the police board that the force has been clear with its expectations for demonstrators, and thatharassmentwon't be tolerated.

"If there is a hate or bias crime incidents, if there's intimidation or threats, we will actively investigate those," he said, adding police know residentshave"scars" from the occupation.

"I want to reassure you that those feelings, that trauma that our community has felt is front and centre in all of our planning efforts and will be front and centre in our response efforts."

Overall, Bellsaid policeare expectinghundreds of thousands of people downtown. For comparison,an estimated 56,000 people went to the shows on Parliament Hill in 2019 and that doesn't count everyone celebrating nearby.

There will be the traditional Canada Day road closuresFriday July 1 and early Saturday, though there are more closures near LeBreton Flats because of thatchange in show location.

But Ottawa police are establishinganother "vehicle exclusion zone" similar to what was set up inlate April for the Rolling Thunder motorcycle rallywith no street parking at all and no protest vehicles allowed in from 8 a.m. this Wednesday until at least 6 a.m. on Monday, July 4.

Those plans may change if needed, officials said Monday. People are asked to plan ahead, expect delays and check city pages and local media for updates.

OC Transpoand Socit de transport de l'Outaouaisservice is free July 1and when it comes to OC Transpo,until 4 a.m. July 2.