Ottawa police arrest more than 100 people as officers move to clear convoy protest
Ottawa police have arrested more than 100 people as the operation continues to retake downtown streets from the trucker convoy occupation.
As of 9:30 p.m., officers were slowly moving west along Wellington Street to push back protesters, with the intersections of Rideau Street and Sussex Drive and Wellington and Mackenzie Avenue cleared of protesters.
Tensions escalated as the sun set and darkness fell over the downtown area on day 22 of the "Freedom Convoy" demonstration that has blocked several roads and forced businesses to close.
Ottawa police said on Twitter that protesters were assaulting officers and attempting to remove officers' weapons. A couple of people had been pepper- sprayed on Wellington Street.
Interim Chief Steve Bell said the demonstrators have been charged with various offences, including mischief. The protesters were arrested despite being repeatedly warned all week that they were participating in an illegal protest.
"Even this morning, all unlawful protesters were given many, many opportunities to leave," he said.
The massive operation was largely peaceful for most of the day, but got increasingly tense early Friday evening.
Police said one person had been arrested for intentionally harming a police service animal.
Earlier Friday, Bell said no protesters have been injured. One police officer was injured, but Bell said it was a minor injury that has been treated.
The arrests mark the beginning of a massive police operation to dismantle the protest that's expected to take days. Bell did not give an exact timeline on how long it might take, only saying police will "work day and night until this is completed."
Police said along with the arrests, they have also towed 21 vehicles.
Dozens of officers gathered along Colonel By Drive Friday morning to form a line and move into the protester encampment at Rideau Street and Sussex Drive.
Protesters formed a line in front of police. As officers slowly moved forward, they arrested demonstrators. Protesters chanting 'Freedom' and singing 'O Canada.' Police on horses, as well as a tactical team truck, could be seen behind the initial lines of officers.
Police also arrested a third protest leader on Friday. Convoy organizer Pat King livestreamed his arrest on Facebook. Officers on the video informed him he was facing several charges, including counselling to commit mischief. Two other organizers were arrested Thursday.
Mayor Jim Watson told CTV News the police action has created a collective sense of relief throughout the city.
“We know it's still not over,” he said, “There's still many more challenges to face and we don't want to start claiming victory because there's still a lot of work to do. But I can tell you I've never been so happy to see a tow truck on television.”
Watson called the protest the most serious situation the city has faced in its history.
“It's gone on too long, but I'm very, very pleased we're starting to see some decisive action and arrests being made. People are going to be held accountable."
At Rideau and Sussex on Friday, police broadcast a message urging protesters to leave via Sussex Drive northbound, warning if they don't they will be arrested. There were also officers in riot gear and could be seen with tear gas at the ready.
An RV that was blocking Sussex northbound, which had 'Hold the Line' written on it, was towed away. The driver was pulled out of the vehicle and arrested.
As police cleared room on Sussex, a woman with a baby in a stroller could be seen standing in the street.
Police said some protesters "have put children between police operations and the unlawful protest site. The children will be brought to a place of safety."
The arrests are part of a major police operation to clear the downtown core that's expected to take several days, police sources said.
Earlier, officers arrested people on Nicholas and Waller streets, the easternmost part of the downtown protester encampments. Police could be seen arriving en masse to a staging area at uOttawa campus on Friday morning, and making arrests among the trucks parked on Nicholas Street.
A bit later Friday morning, tow trucks arrived to remove the big rigs and other vehicles lining Nicholas Street.
Police issued a new warning Friday morning that anyone found in the protest zone may be arrested.
"DEMONSTRATORS: You must leave," they wrote. "Anyone found within the unlawful protest site may be arrested."
One woman who spoke with CTV News said her son-in-law was among those arrested.
"My son-in-law was standing his ground and he was arrested,” she said, adding that they had arrived downtown at 10 a.m.
Police have set up nearly 100 checkpoints to secure the downtown core as they move in to clear out the demonstrators, who have been camped out downtown for three weeks.
The checkpoints have been set up in a three-square-kilometre area to control traffic flow into the "red zone", and security fencing has been installed around Parliament Hill and other federal buildings. Police are turning away convoy protesters trying to head downtown at the checkpoints, and the lineups at the checkpoints are causing delays for commuters.
Light rail train service into the downtown core has been suspended and bus routes are being diverted. Police are warning anyone who doesn't have to be downtown to avoid the area.
Ottawa police also reported renewed efforts to flood their 9-1-1 line with calls, something that happened last week as well.
On Thursday, police arrested several people in the downtown area, including convoy organizers Chris Barber and Tamara Lich.
Police confirmed the charges against Barber on Friday: counselling to commit mischief, counselling to disobey a court order and counselling to obstruct police. Lich has been charged with counselling to commit mischief, police said. Barber was granted bail on the conditions he leave Ontario by Feb. 23. Lich is scheduled to appear in court on Saturday.
The House of Commons was scheduled to debate the emergency measures the government brought in to tackle the protest, but that sitting has been cancelled.
A note from Speaker Anthony Rota on Friday morning said the sitting is cancelled because of a police operation expected to take place by Parliament Hill and other locations around Ottawa's downtown core.
'VERY DIFFERENT' WEEKEND
Ottawa's interim police chief Steve Bell said Thursday things would look "very different" downtown compared to the previous three weekend of the trucker convoy demonstration.
Bell urged protesters to leave the downtown area, and promised that police action to end the demonstration would begin.
"We have a very deliberate plan that will be methodical and will take time for us to progress through to be able to completely remove anyone from the core," Bell said.
"What I can tell you is this weekend will look very different than the last three weekends."
The checkpoints into the secured area caused traffic delays Friday morning, with police urging people not to come downtown if they don't have to.
The first trucks arrived on Wellington Street on Jan. 28, as part of the "Freedom Convoy" demonstration protesting COVID-19 vaccine mandates and other public health measures. Since then, hundreds of vehicles have blocked Wellington Street, the intersection of Rideau and Sussex and other roads across the Parliamentary Precinct.
Ottawa police are working with the RCMP and OPP, as well as officers from municipal police forces.
SECURED AREA
Ottawa police have set up a so-called 'secured area', limiting traffic into the downtown core.
Police say checkpoints will be set up in the area from the Queensway to Wellington Street and Bronson Avenue to the Rideau Canal area.
Police say anyone who lives, works or are moving through the area for reasons other than to participate in the protest will be allowed to enter.
"You will be required to show proof of exemption for your travel to the Secured Area," police said.
A look at the secured area set up by Ottawa police.
ROAD CLOSURES
Ontario Provincial Police say multiple exits are closed along Hwy. 417 through the centre of Ottawa.
The eastbound exits on the Queensway are closed at Rochester, Kent, Metcalfe and Nicholas.
The westbound exits on Hwy. 417 are closed at Bronson, Metcalfe, Nicholas and Vanier Parkway.
O-TRAIN
OC Transpo says the O-Train will not be running downtown until further notice.
The Confederation Line will operate from Tunney's Pasture Station to Pimisi and Blair Station to Hurdman Station. There will be no service between Pimisi and Hurdman stations.
CLOSURES
Ottawa City Hall, the underground parking garage and the Rink of Dreams remain closed.
The Ottawa Public Library Main and Rideau branches are closed today.
Ottawa Public Health says the vaccination clinic at the University of Ottawa Minto Sports Complex will be closed today.
UNIVERSITY OF OTTAWA
The University of Ottawa says in-person activities on the main campus will be suspended until Monday.
"In light of ongoing developments near Parliament Hill, the University has made the decision to move academic and administrative activities online until Monday morning February 21," uOttawa said in a statement on its website.
"This does not impact activities at Roger Guindon and the Lees Campus."
Parking lots on the main campus will be closed and access to some buildings will be restricted.
- with files from Graham Richardson, CTV News Ottawa, and the Canadian Press
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Albertans head to polls in what's expected to be very close election between UCP, NDP
In Alberta today, the United Conservative Party is looking to win a second consecutive majority government while the NDP is fighting to regain the office it lost in 2019.
Singh calling for foreign interference special rapporteur Johnston to step aside
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh is pushing for special rapporteur David Johnston to 'step aside' from his role examining the issue of foreign interference before he embarks on public hearings.
New Democrat MP says she is target of foreign interference by China
New Democrat MP Jenny Kwan said Monday that Canada's spy agency has confirmed her long-held belief she is being targeted by the Chinese government, as the prime minister granted the NDP's wish to allow more party members to review top-secret intelligence.
Canadian parliamentarians condemn Uganda's recently passed anti-homosexuality law
Canadian political leaders and parliamentarians are denouncing a new law passed in Uganda that imposes harsh penalties, including the death penalty, for certain cases involving homosexuality.
Free prescription drugs could reduce overall health-care costs in Canada: study
Overall health-care costs could be reduced in Canada by providing free prescription drugs to patients, according to a new study.
Northern B.C., Alberta and all of Ontario under 'high' to 'extreme' wildfire risk: What to know
There's a heightened risk of wildfires across the country during what has been one of the earliest fire seasons on record. From British Columbia to Nova Scotia, here's where the risk is highest.
Strategic city planning can mitigate 'urban heat island' effect, make cities cooler in summer: study
New research from Penn State University found certain factors can contribute to reducing what’s known as the 'urban heat island' effect, and that climate knowledge can contribute to better city planning and design.
'Tragedies occur far too often': Canada Safety Council shares swimming safety tips
With the summer swimming season fast approaching, the Canada Safety Council is reminding people to be careful and take measures to prevent drowning, especially after three children died just days apart.
Provinces must seek anti-smoking measures in Big Tobacco settlement: health groups
Three national health organizations want Canada's premiers to push for initiatives to reduce smoking during settlement negotiations with major tobacco companies, years after provinces sued to recoup health-care costs.
Atlantic
-
Halifax-area wildfire still out of control, 'many' structures destroyed
Officials say a wildfire that began in the Upper Tantallon, N.S., area Sunday afternoon is ongoing and still not under control.
-
Shelburne County wildfire out of control, about 1,500 evacuated
Roughly 450 homes have been evacuated in Shelburne County as a wildfire burns out of control over thousands of hectares.
-
In photos: Out-of-control wildfires force thousands to evacuate in N.S.
Pictures from across Nova Scotia highlight the destruction brought on by two wildfires that are burning out of control in the province.
Toronto
-
New details emerge on landlord who allegedly shot engaged couple near Hamilton, Ont.
New information has emerged about the fatal shooting of an engaged couple fleeing their landlord after a dispute near Hamilton, Ont.
-
'I wanted to cry': Ontario woman to pay nearly $9,000 in damage to uninsured parked car
An Ontario woman is on the hook for nearly $9,000 in damages after her uninsured car was hit while stored in a parking lot.
-
Ontario soccer referees to wear body cameras to combat increase in abuse
Ontario referees will be outfitted with body cameras this summer in an effort to stop aggressive abuse at soccer games across the province.
Montreal
-
Daycare worker union 'worried' about Quebec's plan to hire staff who complete 90-hour training
The union representing the majority of Quebec's daycare workers is criticizing the government's decision to launch a skimpy 90-hour training program for people who want to be daycare workers but have no prior experience.
-
WEATHER
WEATHER | First heat wave of the year expected this week in Montreal
Montreal recorded its first 30-degree temperature of the year on Sunday, and the city could see three more days in the 30s later this week.
-
Quebec driver sentenced to 8 months after swerving to avoid ducks caused fatal collision
A Quebec driver who caused the death of another motorist when he swerved his truck to avoid hitting a family of ducks on the road has been sentenced to eight months in jail and a three-year driving ban.
Northern Ontario
-
Police officer, school bus driver killed in violent crash north of Woodstock, Ont.
An Ontario Provincial Police officer and a school bus driver are dead after a violent crash north of Woodstsock Monday morning.
-
Body of 12-year-old Winnipeg boy who fell into Sturgeon Falls found
The body of a Winnipeg boy who fell into Sturgeon Falls on Saturday has been found following a desperate underwater search that lasted more than a day.
-
Driver in critical condition after hitting moose on Highway 69 in Greater Sudbury
One person is in critical condition after hitting a moose on Highway 69 in Greater Sudbury on Friday night, police say.
London
-
Police officer, school bus driver killed in violent crash north of Woodstock, Ont.
An Ontario Provincial Police officer and a school bus driver are dead after a violent crash north of Woodstsock Monday morning.
-
Serious collision sends scooter rider to hospital
The operator of a small motorized scooter was struck by a westbound car at the corner of Queens Avenue and English Street Monday evening.
-
Pet cat dies after garage fire at south London, Ont. home
A smoke detector is credited with saving the life of a resident after a fire broke out at a south London home on Monday afternoon.
Winnipeg
-
Motorcyclist airlifted to hospital after serious crash on Lagimodiere
Winnipeg police say the driver of a motorcycle is in stable condition after a serious crash that shut down a section of Lagimodiere Boulevard.
-
Family desperate to find missing son last seen heading to school
A Winnipeg family is asking for help to find their missing teenage son whom they haven't seen since he left for school in the Fort Richmond area last Wednesday morning.
-
Body of 12-year-old Winnipeg boy who fell into Sturgeon Falls found
The body of a Winnipeg boy who fell into Sturgeon Falls on Saturday has been found following a desperate underwater search that lasted more than a day.
Kitchener
-
Four-way stop planned for intersection where bus driver and OPP officer killed
The rural Oxford County intersection where an OPP officer and a school bus driver were killed Monday was less than a month away from becoming a four-way stop when the deadly crash happened.
-
Death of on-duty OPP officer highlights mental toll on first responders
The death of an OPP officer Monday morning adds to a growing list of Ontario police officers who have died while on-duty in the past few months.
-
WCDSB vacant trustee seat remains empty as board looks for guidance
It was a night of indecision at Waterloo region's catholic school board as trustees went back and forth trying to find the best approach to fill a vacant seat.
Calgary
-
Albertans head to polls in what's expected to be very close election between UCP, NDP
In Alberta today, the United Conservative Party is looking to win a second consecutive majority government while the NDP is fighting to regain the office it lost in 2019.
-
LIVE UPDATES
LIVE UPDATES | Alberta election live updates: Follow map results as polls close
Watch CTV News Edmonton's special election broadcast on air and online as polls close.
-
2 suspects shot and killed by Calgary police following slow-speed pursuit on Memorial Drive
ASIRT is investigating a low-speed police pursuit that led to a Calgary officer shooting and killing two suspects on Monday morning.
Saskatoon
-
'I don't care what people think': Undersized Blades prospect looks forward to proving people wrong
The Blades drafted Benjamin Bowtell in the sixth round of the 2023 Bantam Draft back in April.
-
'Ghost bike' memorial grows where Saskatoon teacher died while cycling
A memorial, featuring bouquets and a "ghost bike" now stands at the intersection where a Saskatoon teacher was killed last week.
-
'This gives people a chance to get to the city': Saskatoon speed rail line concept looking for public support
In a province where there are vast distances between cities and towns, one local group is hoping to get public support for an idea to bridge those gaps with a rail line.
Edmonton
-
LIVE UPDATES
LIVE UPDATES | Alberta election live updates: Follow map results as polls close
Watch CTV News Edmonton's special election broadcast on air and online as polls close.
-
Albertans head to polls in what's expected to be very close election between UCP, NDP
In Alberta today, the United Conservative Party is looking to win a second consecutive majority government while the NDP is fighting to regain the office it lost in 2019.
-
From Kenney's downfall to Smith's rise, Alberta's political landscape has changed dramatically
Take Back Alberta says it is responsible for ousting Jason Kenney and that it backed Danielle Smith as his successor.
Vancouver
-
BC Trucking Association calls on industry to prioritize safety following overpass crash
The president of the BC Trucking Association is issuing renewed calls for safety after a trailer truck smashed into an overhead pass Monday morning in Langley.
-
Concerns of retaliation after gangster gunned down outside wedding
A well-known gangster was shot and killed outside a banquet hall in South Vancouver Sunday, sparking concerns his associates may seek revenge.
-
Meet Thor, the B.C.-based Boston terrier who has doggy paddled his way to international fame
A beloved Boston terrier from Vernon, B.C., has doggy paddled to fame ahead of his fourth birthday.
Regina
-
Weekend tornado near Regina confirmed as first in Canada of 2023
The first twister of 2023 in the country touched down near Regina over the weekend, according to an analysis from the Northern Tornadoes Project (NTP).
-
RCMP at scene of serious collision near Weyburn, Sask.
Weyburn and Fillmore RCMP are at the scene of a serious collision involving multiple vehicles on Highway 13 about 16 kilometres east of Weyburn.
-
1 Sask. resident dead, 1 seriously injured in North Dakota motorcycle crash
One person from Estevan, Sask. is dead and another is seriously injured following a collision between a pickup truck and a motorcycle on May 28 near Fortuna, North Dakota.