Hundreds of motorcycles are expected to be released in the country’s capital this weekend over what organizers say will be a peaceful celebration of freedom. The incident – called Rolling Thunder Ottawa – has raised concerns about a possible recurrence of a truck crash that paralyzed the city weeks earlier this year.
What is the purpose of Rolling Thunder?
In a statement posted on the event’s official website, organizer Neil Sheard said the group did not support blockades, police obstruction, property damage or hatred and vitriol directed at Ottawa residents. In a recent video posted on YouTube, Mr. Sheard, a former member of the Canadian Armed Forces, said veterans wanted to lay a wreath at the Ottawa War Memorial after the monument was “desecrated” and a high fence erected. around it during the trucker demonstration in February.
Which groups are participating in the rally?
Although organizers have not stated the purpose of the bike rally, some of the groups associated with the event, including Freedom Fighters Canada, Veterans for Freedom and Live from the Shed, say they oppose government orders. On its website, Freedom Fighters Canada states that it is a non-profit organization that demands “the end of all government mandates. the end of all tyrannical bills and legislation “. He also says that “our government has exceeded its limits, we are here to put them back in their place”. The group also says cyclists are coming to Ottawa to “celebrate our freedom peacefully.” Veterans for Freedom reports on its website that it is made up of Canadian Armed Forces veterans from across the country and that they are working to engage in “legitimate political action to restore the fundamental rights and freedoms of Canadians.” Live from the Shed describes itself on YouTube as a platform to share “stories of trucks, volunteers, streamers and other heroes from Freedom Convoy in Ottawa and the wider Canadian Freedom Movement.”
When does Rolling Thunder happen?
Ottawa police say they expect participants in the rally to arrive on Friday, with many of the main activities taking place on Saturday. Interim Chief Steve Bell said the escort, which could include up to 400 motorcycles, would have to stay on a predetermined route that starts east of downtown Ottawa and reaches the core. Chief Bell said a strong police presence, backed by tugs and natural obstacles, would be in place along the route. He said police had contacted organizers of the rally, who had vowed to leave the capital on Sunday.
Which roads in downtown Ottawa will be affected?
Police and the city have said that they will not allow protests, rallies or events based on motor vehicles in designated areas in the city center, as near and around the hill of Parliament and the National War Monument. “We have created a foreclosure zone in the city center,” Chief Bell said Thursday. He said residents – pedestrians and cyclists – as well as public transport and business traffic would be allowed in the exclusion zone.
What happened to the truckers’ convoy in the winter?
The truck convoy arrived in the nation’s capital in late January and blocked major roads in the city center for more than three weeks. It started as a protest against vaccination orders, but soon turned into an anti-government protest, with participants demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Justin Trinto. The convoy protest, which Ottawa police described as “occupation,” ended after the federal government invoked the emergency law. The law provided sweeping powers to the federal government to restore order during a crisis. A massive police operation has led to dozens of arrests and hundreds of charges against organizers and participants. Ottawa city councilors and residents expressed concern that this weekend’s rally could cause unrest similar to that experienced by the city during the protest.
What do the authorities say about Rolling Thunder?
Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson says additional resources, including the RCMP, Ontario Provincial Police and local law enforcement officers, will help city police manage public safety during the rally. “Our primary focus is public safety and ensuring peaceful protest, with minimal interruptions to residents and small businesses in the nation’s capital,” Watson said Thursday. Meanwhile, police have warned that people facing charges in relation to the trucker motorway are protesting and are instructed to stay away from Ottawa must respect this term. Anyone involved in this weekend’s bicycle rally, police said, will be arrested and prosecuted. Our Morning and Afternoon Newsletters are compiled by Globe editors, giving you a brief overview of the day’s most important headlines. Register today.
