'Rolling Thunder Ottawa' motorcycle convoy expected to roll through Ottawa
Another group of protesters is planning to loudly roll through Ottawa next weekend and while it’s not clear what "Rolling Thunder Ottawa" is protesting, they plan to make their presence known.
The motorcycle group is expected in Ottawa on April 29, and the city and interim chief of police say they are aware of the demonstration.
Few details about the protest are known, but it's expected the group could stay in Ottawa until May 1 with rallies planned on Parliament Hill, slow roll protests and a stop at the National War Memorial to lay a wreath.
Between 500 and 1,000 people are expected to take part, but there are concerns.
"Everyone has a right to protest but at a certain point their goal is unclear to me. What is their goal? It's unclear to me if it's simply to come protest or if it's something else," said Sam Hersh, an Ottawa resident who was impacted by the Freedom Convoy that occupied the downtown core for nearly a month before being moved out at the end of February.
"My level of hesitancy is around the noise, especially if it's a nice day and patios are open downtown," added Sarah Chown, Managing Partner at the Metropolitan Brasserie.
Metropolitan was closed for several weeks during the Freedom Convoy.
"I have to hope that this will be handled like that second smaller convoy that came in a few weeks ago was handled; they come in drive their route, make their way out of town and the disruption is limited," said Chown.
That rally, which rolled throughout Ottawa at the end of March lasted a few hours, not a few weeks.
What are Ottawa Police saying about this new convoy?
In a statement to CTV News Thursday, the Ottawa Police Service said; “We continue to prepare for the planned demonstration (Rolling Thunder) on April 29th and 30th.”
Interim chief Steve Bell will provide an update on police preparations for the convoy during the Ottawa Police Services Board meeting on Monday.
"We don't want a repeat of what happened last time, and we haven’t heard anything," said Hersh.
It’s not clear what protestors want, but you can expect Canada flags, freedom chants, and anti-Trudeau signs.
CTV News reached out to one of the organizing groups but did not hear back by the time this story aired on April 21.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Ontario Provincial Police arrest 64 suspects in child sexual exploitation investigation
Ontario Provincial Police say 64 suspects are facing a combined 348 charges in connection with a series of child sexual exploitation investigations that spanned the province.
Most of Canada to receive emergency alert test today
The federal government will test its capacity to issue emergency alerts today, with the exception of Ontario, where the test will take place on May 15.
OPINION What King Charles' schedule being too 'full' to accommodate son suggests about relationship with Prince Harry
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has made headlines with his recent arrival in the U.K., this time to celebrate all things Invictus. But upon the prince landing in the U.K., we have already had confirmation that King Charles III won't have time to see his youngest son during his brief visit.
Seafood, eat food: Calgary Stampede releases Midway menu
The Calgary Stampede has released its menu of sweet, salty and spicy treats available on the Midway for the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.
Ontario man devastated to learn $150,000 line of credit isn't insured after wife dies
An Ontario man found out that a line of credit he thought was insured actually isn't after his wife of 50 years died.
Boy Scouts of America is rebranding. Here's why they've changed their name
After more than a century, Boy Scouts of America is rebranding as Scouting America, another major shakeup for an organization that once proudly resisted change.
Trial begins for Winnipeg serial killer who claims he was mentally ill
The trial of a man who admits he killed four women in Winnipeg is set to begin Wednesday, and a law professor says lawyers for Jeremy Skibicki have multiple hurdles to clear for a defence of mental illness.
These adults born in the '90s partnered with their parents to buy homes in Ontario
An Ontario woman said it would have been impossible to buy a house without her mother – an anecdote that animates the fact that over 17 per cent of Canadian homeowners born in the ‘90s own their property with their parents, according to a new report.
New Canadian study could be a lifesaver for thousands suffering from CTE
A first-of-its-kind Canadian research study is working towards a major medical breakthrough for a brain disorder, believed to be caused by repeated head injuries, that can only be detected after death.