The city’s three downtown city councillors — Joe Cressy, Mike Layton, and Kristyn Wong-Tam, have issued a statement ahead of the trucker convoy protest scheduled for this weekend but already getting underway in some parts of the city.
The statement is one of many that are raising alarm bells and pledging to make sure Toronto doesn’t become another Ottawa where protestors backed by a convoy of trucks have taken over parts of the city while Ottawa police have done very little to stop it.
“As the three City Councillors for downtown Toronto, we have heard from many who are deeply concerned regarding the planned “freedom convoy” protests this weekend,” the statement read. “We share this concern and have taken proactive steps through a motion at City Council to prepare and plan for this weekend and to strongly condemn hate and harassment. We have been in frequent communication with Toronto Police and City of Toronto officials to plan for this weekend”
According to the statement, Toronto Police Service has outlined their plans for the weekend protests as follows:
• Toronto Police will create and maintain a safe area around the hospitals along University Avenue, carefully controlling access to prevent disruptions while allowing hospital staff, emergency vehicles, and other essential workers to continue to reach their destinations.
• Hate symbols will be removed.
• There will be police resources dedicated specifically to focusing on protecting the safety of businesses and residents nearby.
“We’re two years into the pandemic,” the statement concluded. “It’s been a hard time for many. Let’s remember what unites us. Hatred is unacceptable. Interfering with hospitals and health operations must not be tolerated. Everyone has the right to peaceful protest.”
Street closure
Earlier today, Toronto Police Service announced the closure of University Avenue to street traffic to keep access to the hospitals safe and open. University will be closed between College and Queen from 11:30 a.m. today and possibly throughout the weekend.
These closures could remain in place all weekend. We will continue to assess the situation and make any adjustments where needed. We will continue to update the public.
Please avoid demo areas, where possible, as it is likely to cause delays.
3/3— Toronto Police Operations (@TPSOperations) February 4, 2022
It’s already started
This afternoon, a smaller truck protest began on St. Clair Avenue West at Weston Road, which is the gateway to the Stockyards district and a large retail shopping centre.
DEMONSTRATION:
St. Clair Av West + Weston Rd
– Reports that tractors are eastbound on St. Clair from Weston Road
– Expect traffic delays
– Consider alternate routes of travel @TTCnotices
^lb— Toronto Police Operations (@TPSOperations) February 4, 2022
The University of Toronto locked up
The University of Toronto is also taking all necessary precautions to keep its student population safe. The University issued its own statement via social media announcing many of the campus buildings would be locked up and only accessible via “keys and security fob,” and libraries are closing early today at 5 p.m.
“This decision was taken out of an abundance of caution,” the statement read. “Community members are advised to remain vigilant on & around the St. George campus today and this weekend. You will likely notice an increased police presence in the immediate area around Queen’s Park, east of campus.”
Counter-protest
In addition, the Toronto Star is reporting that health care workers are organizing a counter-protest. Organizers have asked that all those interested in joining should meet at King’s College Circle at the Medical Sciences Building at noon Saturday.
“The health care group invites “all concerned Torontonians” to join them at King’s College Circle at the Medical Sciences Building at noon Saturday.” Toronto health care workers planning counterprotest to Saturday truck convoy https://t.co/mQTK3v6Ri2 via @torontostar
— Nahanni (@Nahanni_) February 4, 2022