Ottawa businesses prepare for the arrival of the 'freedom convoy'
Ottawa businesses are preparing for the arrival of the 'freedom convoy' this weekend, as a convoy of truckers calling for an end to COVID-19 vaccine mandates and restrictions moves towards the capital.
While some Ottawa businesses and vaccination clinics will close, others will stay open this weekend.
"We just have been told there will be extra protection and just take precautions," says Pat Nicastro, owner of La Bottega Nicastro in the Byward Market.
"But Saturday is business as usual here. Our staff is going to be here, we’re working. We’ve been told by a couple of groups that have come in and ordered some sandwiches and stuff and we’re here to shop and everything is going to be peaceful and we’re not there to make any trouble."
The convoy of truckers is expected to arrive at Parliament Hill on Saturday. The group is protesting all COVID-19 mandates and so far, the rally has been peaceful.
At Moda Hair on Murray Street, owner Vito DeCarie has decided to close for the day.
“We have talked to officials and they are giving us a 50-50 scenario about how safe it will be,” says Decarie. "We decided to make it safe for our clients and ourselves. I just hope my windows don’t get crushed."
It is yet to be determined how many trucks will drive through downtown. According to convoy route maps, the group will likely exit highway 417 at Kent Street and travel north towards Wellington Street, a stretch of road that is about 1.6 kilometres. For perspective, it would take 64 full-size trucks, bumper-to-bumper, to fill the street.
Street parking is no longer possible around Parliament Hill and on many downtown roads. Police are recommending to avoid the area and if possible, limit weekend travel and to use side roads.
"The OPP is managing the highways, making sure the traffic is flowing as best as possible with the heavy amount of vehicles," says Sgt. Tylor Copeland, with the Ontario Provincial Police. "We’re also working in partnership with our other police agencies in the area, Ottawa Police, for the final destination … Friday afternoon, Saturday we’re expecting major delays on our highways."
Kevin McHale, executive director with the Sparks Street Business Improvement Association, says many of the shops on Sparks Street, which is one block south from Parliament Hill, will remain open.
"We’re at the heart of a capital city; we see protests and activations like this all the time, we’re used to it here," says McHale, adding that it’s usually thousands of people protesting.
"We’re putting our bollards in for the weekend which we normally don’t use during the winter time just to make sure Sparks Street is safe for everybody to use, protesters, locals, visitors, but other than that it’s status quo."
The convoy is expected to rally on Parliament Hill on Saturday, but it is unclear how long the group will stay. Some trucks will begin arriving in Ottawa on Friday afternoon.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW From yearning for a change to cost of living, why some Canadians have left or may leave the country
For some immigrants, their dreams of permanently settling in Canada have taken an unexpected twist.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
NEW Capital gains tax change 'shortsighted' and 'sows division' business groups tell Freeland
Forging ahead with increasing Canada's capital gains inclusion rate 'sows division,' and is a 'shortsighted' way to improve the deficit, business groups are warning Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland.
Police handcuff man trying to enter Drake's Toronto mansion
Toronto police say a man was taken into custody outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion Wednesday afternoon after he tried to gain access to the residence.
What is whooping cough and should Canadians be concerned as Europe declares outbreak?
There is currently a whooping cough epidemic in Europe, with 10 times as many cases compared to the previous two years. While an outbreak has not been declared nationwide in Canada, whooping cough is regularly detected in the country.
Ontario man frustrated after $3,500 paving job leaves driveway in shambles
An Ontario man considering having his driveway paved received a quote from a company for $7,000, but then, another paver in the neighbourhood knocked on his door and offered half that rate.
Florida deputies who fatally shot U.S. airman burst into wrong apartment, attorney says
Deputies responding to a disturbance call at a Florida apartment complex burst into the wrong unit and fatally shot a Black U.S. Air Force airman who was home alone when they saw he was armed with a gun, an attorney for the man's family said Wednesday.
Air Canada ranks near bottom on customer satisfaction: survey
Air Canada ranks below most other major North American airlines on customer satisfaction, with airfares a particular sore point, according to a new survey.
U.S. presidential candidate RFK Jr. had a brain worm, has recovered, campaign says
Independent U.S. presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. had a parasite in his brain more than a decade ago, but has fully recovered, his campaign said, after the New York Times reported about the ailment.