Update on May 29 demonstrations

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, May 29, 2024       10:00 pm

(Ottawa)—The Ottawa Police Service responded to multiple demonstrations today, including on Uplands Drive, Elgin Street, and Wellington Street.

This morning at Uplands Drive, eight arrests were made (5 men and 3 women). Five individuals were processed and released this afternoon; three were remanded into custody to appear in court tomorrow. The investigations are ongoing.

Demonstration at the intersection of Wellington and O’Connor

At approximately 1 p.m., a group of demonstrators blocked the intersection of Wellington and O’Connor Streets. After a short time, some group members moved their demonstration to the front of Ottawa Police headquarters on Elgin Street.

In the interest of public safety and to reinstate the freedom of movement of non-participants of the demonstration, members of our Police Liaison Team attempted to engage the group to move off the road.

Demonstrators were given multiple notices and ample time to vacate the road.

At approximately 4:45 p.m., after attempts to negotiate a mutually agreeable location to continue the demonstration failed, Public Order Units were required to move any remaining demonstrators onto the sidewalk to allow Wellington Street to reopen to the public.

Public Order Units continuously provided further opportunities for people to leave voluntarily. The group was advised that anyone who remained would be arrested for Mischief. One person was arrested. Wellington Street reopened at approximately 6 p.m.

At approximately 5:45 p.m., a group of demonstrators began an unplanned march southbound on Elgin Street. The group demonstrated outside of 474 Elgin Street for some time before marching northbound on Elgin at approximately 7:45 pm and dispersing shortly after.

The role of the police is to uphold community safety and security, enforce the laws and allow for lawful demonstrations.

We remain committed to ensuring that Ottawa remain a safe and inclusive place for all.

We remain vigilant to all threats and acts of hate, and we encourage anyone who witnesses or experiences such incidents to report them to police. Third-party reports can also be taken through our website at ottawawpolice.ca/report.

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