Trucker convoy rolling into Arnprior truck stop Friday
Thousands of truckers from across the country are gathering momentum and support for their convoy, calling for their freedoms to return.
The group called Canada Unity is calling for an end to the vaccine mandate for truckers crossing the Canada-United States border.
They are also calling for an end to vaccine passports, all fines related to COVID violations, and for employees terminated because of vaccine policies to be reinstated.
Multiple convoys from all corners of the country are expected to come together on Parliament Hill on Saturday. On Tuesday, the western Canada convoy travelled from Regina, Sask., to Kenora, Ont.
On Friday, hundreds of trucks are expected to descend on Arnprior at the Antrim Truck Stop before the final push to Ottawa.
"This business was built on trucking, how could I not support the trucking industry?" says Tom Orr, owner of the Antrim Truck Stop. "Do I believe there's bigger issues than the vaccination, with this much support? There's a lots of things that could have been done with this much support."
On Tuesday, Orr met with local police to discuss security options for when the mass gathering arrives, but is expecting to have to handle the crowds on his own.
"Police officer told me they expect 400 to 500 trucks," says Orr. "So there's no way we can accept that, and there's going to be 400 or 500 cars because the locals are going to want to come out and see all this."
Orr says Antrim will do everything it can to accommodate those that arrive with the convoy, but is asking for respect towards the property, its rules, and the COVID-19 guidelines in place.
"We got a little flack because we weren't opening the restaurant and just having a free-for-all," Orr tells CTV News. "We can't do that. We have to follow the guidelines. Right now it's 10 people in a gathering and we're being held to that. I don't know how we can control that."
A convoy opposing vaccine mandates for cross-border travel for truckers passed through Regina on Monday evening. (CTV Regina)
Trucker Ralph Harple stopped in at the Antrim Truck Stop Tuesday.
Harple says he is double vaccinated and has had no problem making deliveries to the United States.
"For the guys that it's a big deal for, it's a big deal," says the east coast truck driver. "To me personally, it's not that big a deal."
The Canadian Trucking Alliance says that trucker vaccination rates are in line with those of the general public. In a statement on Tuesday, the CTA wrote:
"The Government of Canada and the Canadian Trucking Alliance both agree that vaccination, used in combination with preventative public health measures, is the most effective tool to reduce the risk of COVID-19 for Canadians, and to protect public health."
In the lead-up to Friday and with room for only 150 trucks, Orr is reaching out to any open lots that may have space for members of the convoy.
"I support them and I hope that something happens as long as it's peaceful and everyone is safe."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
4th Indian national arrested, charged with murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Homicide investigators in B.C. say murder charges have been laid against a fourth Indian national in connection to the killing of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar outside a Surrey gurdwara last year.
'I am angry': Alberta farmers will continue fight over world class motorsport resort
The rolling hills leading to the hamlet of Rosebud are dotted with sprawling farms and cattle pastures -- and a sign sporting a simple message: No Race Track.
Man ticketed after allegedly trespassing again at Drake's Bridle Path mansion to get his bike
A man who tried to access Drake’s Bridle Path mansion earlier this week returned to the property Saturday and was apprehended again for allegedly trespassing, Toronto police say.
Couple randomly attacked, 1 stabbed, by group of teens in Toronto, police say
A man has been transported to hospital after police say he was stabbed in a random attack carried out by a group of teens in Toronto on Friday night.
Millions of Canadians have been exposed to potentially toxic chemicals, and they're not going anywhere
For decades, North Bay, Ontario's water supply has harboured chemicals associated with liver and developmental issues, cancer and complications with pregnancy. It's far from the only city with that problem.
Biden calls Trump 'unhinged,' says 'something snapped' in former president after he lost 2020 U.S. election
U.S. President Joe Biden on Saturday called Donald Trump “clearly unhinged” and claimed that “something snapped” in the former president after he lost the 2020 election.
Wildfire that forced evacuation of Fort Nelson, B.C., caused by tree falling on wires, mayor says
The wildfire that prompted the evacuation of more than 3,000 people near Fort Nelson, B.C., was caused by a tree falling on wires, according to the municipality's mayor.
Switzerland's Nemo wins 68th Eurovision Song Contest
Swiss singer Nemo won the 68th Eurovision Song Contest on Saturday night with 'The Code,' an operatic ode to the singer’s journey toward embracing their nongender identity.
IN PICTURES Northern lights dance across the night sky in southern Ont.
From London, to Grand Bend, Collingwood and Guelph, here are some highlights of Friday night and Saturday morning's northern lights display.