Ottawa asked for permit for 'Freedom Family Picnic' in Strathcona Park on Friday
An Ottawa councillor is concerned "Freedom" groups planning to hold protests in Ottawa on Canada Day are inviting people to a picnic in a Sandy Hill park.
The groups Police on Guard for Thee, Veterans 4 Freedom and Freedom Fighters Canada are planning a "Freedom Family Picnic" in Strathcona Park on Friday. The original plan to hold a picnic on the lawn of the Supreme Court of Canada was cancelled when authorities erected a fence around the property.
Rideau-Vanier Coun. Mathieu Fleury says he is holding discussions with city staff and authorities about the plans for the picnic in his ward.
"So far no permits are issued, but I understand the permit process has been initiated," Fleury told Newstalk 580 CFRA's Ottawa Now with Kristy Cameron.
"We're working with the city to see what can be done to not allow it, and if it's allowed to have tight, tight, tight restrictions to limit the impacts on the neighbourhood."
Fleury says the permit request is under review, and the permit needs to be finalized by 2 p.m. on Thursday.
"My wishes are that any form of any element relating to the convoy would be outside of residential areas or outside of my community, but as you know we have also limited authorities," Fleury said. "It's pending review currently."
Social media posts say the Freedom Family Picnic will include kid's games, costumed characters and speeches, featuring Canadian veteran James Topp, who is scheduled to complete a cross-Canada march to protest COVID-19 vaccine mandates at the National War Memorial on Thursday.
Cameron asked if the picnic could proceed if there is no permit issued by the city of Ottawa for Strathcona Park.
"The chief is clear, anything that's not permitted will not be tolerated; so if there's no permitted issued or if there's permitted issued but there's restrictions, everything needs to be expected," Fleury said, adding any picnic beyond the size of a family event requires a permit.
"I would expect the appropriate level of enforcement by parks staff, bylaw, and if needed, police."
According to the Twitter account "Live from the Shed" and the Freedom Fighters Canada website, other events planned for Canada Day include a "March to Freedom" starting from Parliament Hill at 3:30 p.m. and speeches, live music and DJs on Parliament Hill from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.