THE Ottawa Police Service and its partners continued their enhanced operational posture in the downtown core to manage protests and events.
Earlier today, Ottawa Police shut down several highway off-ramps to the downtown core with the help of their partners at the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and the Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO). This has been effective in minimizing the impact on downtown.
This controlled access will be in place Sunday morning as well. A major goal of their efforts will be to support and protect the CN Cycle for Cheo.
“Our Bylaw partners have done excellent work issuing tickets and towing vehicles over the last two days. One of the vehicles towed yesterday attempted to reenter the city but was intercepted by police and inspected by the MTO. The MTO deemed it unsafe, and it was removed from the roadway,” police said.
The organizers of the motorcycle rally (350 motorcycles) decided to change its route on Saturday morning. They provided the route to officers who ensured safety and subsequently their prompt passage out of the city.
“Several convoys and groups had been spotted outside of the City. Our intelligence gathering indicates that many convoys have chosen not to come to Ottawa based on the police operational posture,” police said.
One woman was arrested for assaulting police on Elgin Street midday.
A man was arrested on Saturday afternoon for breaching conditions stemming from the February occupation.
A male driver was arrested after rushing an OPP motorcycle at a checkpoint. The officer was not injured. The man, who was on conditions stemming from the February occupation, is facing several charges, including breaching release conditions, dangerous driving, refusal to provide a sample, assault on a peace officer and assault with a weapon.
Protesters continue to be in the downtown area on Saturday evening and officers are closely monitoring their activity. “We retain the ability to rapidly and safely respond to emerging issues,” police said.
Roads are open, and traffic is moving.
