Trucks blocked traffic in Ottawa’s downtown core on Jan. 29 to protest COVID-19 mandates.
Protestors concentrated along Queen Street and Wellington Street in front of Parliament, honking horns and slowing traffic in some areas of the city.
The City of Ottawa released a map outlining road closures on Twitter.
Today’s demonstrations are causing significant traffic impacts in #Ottawa‘s downtown and surrounding areas. Avoid the area; it is gridlocked. If you live in affected areas and need to go out be aware of your surroundings, large crowds and vehicles.#OttTraffic pic.twitter.com/bzK4cWQ3P2
— Ottawa_Traffic (@Ottawa_Traffic) January 29, 2022
Police are encouraging people not to travel downtown and continue to direct traffic away from congested areas, according to a statement on the Ottawa Police Service’s website. The RCMP, Ontario Provincial Police, London, York, Durham and Toronto police also responded to the protest.
“A large police and emergency services presence continues in downtown Ottawa to ensure the safety of residents, businesses, and participants during this weekend’s demonstration,” read the statement. “Do not travel in the downtown core.”
Demonstrations began in the downtown core on Jan. 28, according to a tweet by the City of Ottawa.
Some local businesses closed as a result of the protests. The LCBO tweeted it closed its Ottawa locations early on Saturday for the safety of its employees and customers. LCBO stores remain closed on Sunday.
Please note: For the safety of our employees and customers, our stores in Ottawa closed early yesterday. They will remain closed today.
— LCBO (@LCBO) January 30, 2022
In the afternoon, police closed Rideau Centre. Cadillac Fairview told CTV news the closure was due to an abundance of caution and there was no threat to public safety. Portage Bridge into Gatineau was also closed.
It is not clear when protestors will leave the city.
Featured image by Spencer Colby.
