Update on preparations for a potential convoy in 2023
Back to SearchWe continue to closely monitor the potential for vehicle-based protests happening in or travelling through Ottawa between now and mid-February.
Residents and businesses will see an increased police presence from time to time in the downtown core and surrounding areas.
Although we are not seeing specific information to indicate that there will be large-scale demonstrations or protests in Ottawa, the potential for some level of protests exists. As such, we will have resources, logistics, traffic, towing and staffing plans in place to address any type of scenario and will not allow the conditions to occur that resulted in the February 2022 convoy.
We are constantly assessing the situation, and we remain committed to the safety and well-being of our residents. We are very aware of and sensitive to community concerns.
There is much to do and see in Ottawa this winter, including upcoming Winterlude activities. This will include event road closures in the downtown core to facilitate pedestrian safety for people visiting the various Winterlude locations.
We encourage visitors and residents to come to Ottawa and enjoy our beautiful city. We will continue to update residents on any new information.
| Chief Eric Stubbs updated the Mayor and Chair of the Ottawa Police Services Board on preparations for a potential convoy in 2023. December 19, 2022 |
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Mayor and Chair, The purpose of this note is to update Council and the public on preparations for a potential convoy protest in February. Earlier today, my Command Team and I briefed the Ottawa Police Services Board on preparations for the anticipated return of the Freedom Convoy in February 2023 (Convoy 2.0). The Ottawa Police Service will not allow for the conditions that led to the unlawful protests seen in February 2022. As soon as we became aware of the possibility of a February 2023 Convoy protest originating from outside our city and province involving various interest groups, we began to gather intelligence, develop an operational plan, organize resources, including vehicle mitigation strategies with tow trucks and coordinate with our policing partners at the OPP, RCMP and the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police. It is important to note that organizers have not announced their final plans. Regardless, our Police Liaison Team is in communication with them to understand their intent, ensure they are informed of our city’s expectations as it relates to lawful assembly and reaffirms once again the unwavering posture of the Ottawa Police Service and the City of Ottawa following the unlawful actions experienced in February 2022. As a police service, we are committed to ensuring all lawful, peaceful, foot-based protests are able to be carried out safely in our city. However, as we have seen in multiple protests, such as Rolling Thunder and Canada Day, our approach to demonstrations has greatly changed in the past year. Vehicle-based protests will not be allowed to enter the downtown core or in areas of national significance and we will take appropriate action to preserve public safety within our community. There is zero tolerance for disturbances and/or criminal behaviour or for individuals who attempt to disrupt our communities with vehicles. As more information becomes available, I will provide a Council and public briefing in the New Year. A communications plan, including media interviews, social media posts and a news release, will also be carried out this evening and this week. We continue to closely monitor the situation and are working with our partners to ensure that any such gatherings are lawful, safe and peaceful. Eric Stubbs |