Biker protest cost up to $3M to police, sustainable solution needed: board chair
The "Rolling Thunder" protest in the national capital over the weekend cost an estimated $2.5 to $3 million to police, says the chair of Ottawa's police services board.
Eli El-Chantiry said police are expecting more convoy protests in the future and a sustainable solution needs to be found.
Protesters arrived Friday afternoon as part of the "Rolling Thunder" rally, organized by Freedom Fighters Canada, a group dedicated to speaking out against COVID-19 mandates.
El-Chantiry said the police, including officers brought in from outside the capital, were prepared for every eventuality and had intelligence about the bikers and their plans.
But less was known about the intentions of other protesters not part of the core group who arrived in pickup trucks, big rigs, cars and camper vans.
"That group -- we don't know who's who," El-Chantiry said in an interview.
The relatively peaceful protest could have escalated if officers had not been so well-prepared, he said.
"It could have gone the other way easily," he said. "A lot of people were denied entry to the downtown with their vehicle."
Ottawa police called in more than 800 reinforcements from RCMP and other forces to help, including by blocking off highway exits and streets in the downtown core to prevent an encampment forming.
El-Chantiry said the police also had rapid response teams on hand. Police with riot shields were deployed on Friday evening in downtown Ottawa.
The chair of the police board, which oversees the police service, said he had been briefed by interim chief Steve Bell.
Bell was not available for an interview on Monday.
Over the weekend, 10 people were arrested, including seven who had taken part in the earlier "Freedom Convoy" protests and had breached court orders banning them from returning to Ottawa, El-Chantiry said.
The Ottawa police said in a statement the arrests pertained to different Criminal Code offences, including breach of conditions, assaulting police and causing a disturbance.
The statement added that all traffic restrictions had been lifted, including blocked-off roads in the city centre.
Ottawa police drew lessons from the protests in February when throngs of protesters opposed to COVID-19 public health measures and the federal government choked Ottawa's streets for weeks, the board chair said.
But the protests are evolving and different in nature and Ottawa police need to be ready, he said.
"One size does not fit all," El-Chantiry said. "This could happen any time, so we have to prepare and have the resources."
The federal government has agreed to foot the $35 million bill for policing of the three-week "Freedom Convoy" protest in February.
The occupation prompted the Trudeau government to invoke the Emergencies Act for the first time and ended after hundreds of police officers moved in to disperse the crowds, making dozens of arrests.
The board chief said a plan -- including a financial plan -- was needed to deal with future protests, which show no sign of stopping.
"We have to find a sustainable way to do this," he said. "I will be working with the federal and provincial government to find a sustainable way for the future."
It's important for the people of downtown Ottawa to be able to enjoy their city without constant disruption, El-Chantiry said.
"I am trying to find a way to sustain that cost and want the community who live there now to enjoy their summer and their home."
This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 2, 2022.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
B.C. man used Bobcat as 'weapon' while chasing away homeless people, judge says
A B.C. man has been convicted of assault with a weapon after using a skid-steer Bobcat to chase two homeless people from his lawn, injuring one of them in the process.
Flat tire on a highway? Here's why you shouldn't try to fix it
If you're cruising down a highway and realize you have a flat tire, you may want to think twice before stopping to fix it on the side of the road.