The Ottawa Police Department announced an improved operational approach to managing the Rolling Thunder event, a planned motorcycle convoy protest in the Canadian capital scheduled for this weekend.
According to reports, the Ottawa Police said in a statement that protesters will not be allowed to drive into the downtown core, which includes areas near Parliament Hill and the National War Memorial, and that the policy applies to all demonstrations, rallies, and events.
The organiser of the Rolling Thunder convoy announced on the event’s website that a rally and march will take place on Parliament Hill at 6 p.m. on Friday.
On Saturday, there will be a Veterans For Freedom service at the National War Memorial, a bike ride to downtown Ottawa, and a rally and march on Parliament Hill.
“We have adjusted our overall approach to all demonstrations, protests, events and rallies. We will not allow for unsafe or unlawful conditions that could lead to another unlawful protest as seen in February,” the police said, adding that any organiser of any event will be held accountable for their actions before, during and after events.
“We continue to monitor online and open source commentary related to all events. Threatening or intimidating behaviours will be investigated and subject to charges where warranted.”
There is no information on the “Rolling Thunder Ottawa” website about the event’s clear reasons.
The event is expected to attract up to 1,000 motorcycles and other vehicles.
For three weeks in late January and February, downtown Ottawa was occupied by a truck convoy protest, resulting in a public order emergency.
