Freedom Convoy: Ottawa residents urged to avoid highways 417 and 416
Ottawa residents are being asked to avoid highways 417 and 416 this weekend with a 'Freedom Convoy' of truckers expected to descend on the capital.
Ontario Provincial Police issued the warning a day after local officials urged people to avoid the downtown core starting as early as Friday.
"OPP advises motorists to avoid travel on #Hwy417 and #Hwy416 in the Ottawa area, beginning Friday afternoon and on Saturday," the police service tweeted on Thursday. "Expect major delays."
Authorities are bracing for the cross-country convoy of truckers to arrive on Parliament Hill, some as early as Friday.
Police say they don’t yet know how many demonstrators to expect downtown, or how long they plan to stay. But they say they are preparing for all scenarios and are prepared for a fluid situation to change quickly.
"This will be a significant an extremely fluid event that could go on for a prolonged period,” Acting Deputy Chief Trish Ferguson told a briefing of the city’s police services board on Wednesday.
“We are planning for a range of potential risks, including but not limited to counter-demonstrations, blocking of intersections, interfering with critical infrastructure, and unlawful and violent activity.”
City officials are warning of delays and disruptions on roadways across the city as the truckers arrive and throughout the weekend.
Police warned people to prepare to adjust their plans if they have appointments, children in activities or are expecting food deliveries.
"Do not travel if you can avoid it this weekend in Ottawa," police said.
The convoy of truckers opposed to vaccine mandates and other government policies is expected to arrive in Kingston on Thursday afternoon.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Twins from Toronto were Canada's top two female finishers at this year's Boston Marathon
When identical twin sisters Kim and Michelle Krezonoski were invited to compete against some of the world’s most elite female runners at last week’s Boston Marathon, they were in disbelief.
opinion Why you should protect your investments by naming a trusted contact person
Appointing a trusted person to help with financial obligations can give you peace of mind. In his personal finance column for CTVNews.ca, Christopher Liew outlines the key benefits of naming a confidant to take over your financial responsibilities, if the need ever arises.
NASA hears from Voyager 1, the most distant spacecraft from Earth, after months of quiet
NASA has finally heard back from Voyager 1 again in a way that makes sense. The most distant spacecraft from Earth hadn't sent home any understandable data since last November.
U.S. Senate passes bill forcing TikTok's parent company to sell or face ban, sends to Biden for signature
The Senate passed legislation Tuesday that would force TikTok's China-based parent company to sell the social media platform under the threat of a ban, a contentious move by U.S. lawmakers that's expected to face legal challenges.
Train derailed in Sarnia after colliding with a truck
Police are investigating after a transport truck collided with a train in Sarnia.
Photographer alleges he was forced to watch Megan Thee Stallion have sex and was unfairly fired
A photographer who worked for Megan Thee Stallion said in a lawsuit filed Tuesday that he was forced to watch her have sex, was unfairly fired soon after and was abused as her employee.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.
Wildfire southwest of Peace River spurs evacuation order
People living near a wildfire burning about 15 kilometres southwest of Peace River are being told to evacuate their homes.
Widow looking for answers after Quebec man dies in Texas Ironman competition
The widow of a Quebec man who died competing in an Ironman competition is looking for answers.