By Canadian Press

The latest on protests against COVID-19 measures in Ottawa and beyond

Feb 9, 2022 | 10:04 AM

The latest developments on ongoing protests against COVID-19 restrictions and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government, both in Ottawa and various cities across Canada. All times eastern:

11:45 a.m.

Toronto police say they’re closing streets around Ontario’s legislature in response to several social media posts announcing a possible demonstration involving many vehicles.

The force is also asking the public to avoid the area unless absolutely necessary and says to expect more closures in the coming days.

Ontario’s legislature sits just north of a downtown stretch known as “hospital row.”

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Police say keeping emergency routes clear and protecting key infrastructure is a priority.

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11:40 a.m.

Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson says the federal government is working on the timing of when to send more police officers to Ottawa.

Watson spoke with prime minister and the federal ministers of public safety and emergency preparedness Tuesday to discuss Ottawa’s request for aid to deal with the ongoing protest.

Ottawa asked the federal and provincial governments for 1,800 officers to help bolster police response — a near doubling of Ottawa’s force.

Watson says the federal government understands how quickly Ottawa needs the reinforcements. 

He says he is set to speak with provincial officials about it later today.

———

11:30 a.m.

Ottawa’s city manager says some trucks that have been clogging Ottawa’s downtown streets have left the city’s core.

But Steve Kanellakos says he is not sure whether they left the city entirely, as there have been reports of more trucks on the nearby Sir John A. Macdonald Parkway.

Police are now trying to finish counting all the trucks idling in the capital city.

He says several new encampments popped up overnight and most have been cleared out.

He says protesters have also set up camp in a lot south of Carleton University.

The city manager says police directed protesters to the lot in order to prevent vehicles from parking on residential streets.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Wednesday, Feb. 9, 2022.

The Canadian Press