Thousands of people dressed in red and white and waving Canadian flags gathered in downtown Ottawa to celebrate Canada’s 155th anniversary, as police monitored crowds for possible protests against COVID-19 vaccines and restrictions. .
It is Canada’s first in-person Day in Ottawa in three years, after COVID-19 restrictions forced it to cancel events in 2020 and 2021.
“We’ve already lost two years,” Rebecca Lau said as she stood in front of Parliament Hill. “We used to come here every year to celebrate Canada Day, but the last two years because of the pandemic we had to stay home.”
Major events include a daytime ceremony and an evening show at LeBreton Flats, family activities and fireworks at 10pm. The Canadian Forces Snowbirds were forced to cancel the annual flyover over Ottawa on Canada Day following a recent technical problem.
Two miles from LeBreton Flats, Parliament Hill and the streets around the Parliament buildings were crowded with people commemorating Canada Day.
“It’s fabulous to see everyone here celebrating and enjoying Canada Day. It’s nice to see all the patriotism going on; the good, the positive,” said Todd Salter, visiting Ottawa from Erin, Ont. “There are protesters here, but they seem calm right now, which is a good change. It feels a little normal and very nice to be back.”
Canada Day celebrations come months after “Freedom Convoy” protesters took to the streets of Parliament Hill protesting COVID-19 vaccine warrants. A protest march against the mandates and government of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is scheduled for this afternoon.
The Freedom Fights Canada website says there will be a “March for Freedom” at 3:30 p.m., followed by speeches, live music and DJs on Parliament Hill from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Shortly before 1 p.m., dozens of people gathered on Wellington Street in front of Parliament Hill and chanted “Free Pat King.” Pat King was one of the organizers of the “Freedom Convoy” and is still in prison on charges related to his involvement in the three-week protest.
A “Family Picnic Day” organized by the Police on Guard for You group at a nearby park was canceled, and organizers cited “a recent incident in Ottawa.” However, there were no further details.
A small crowd gathered in Strathcona Park despite the picnic being canceled, and the leader of the People’s Party of Canada, Maxime Bernier, planned to deliver a speech to supporters in the area. Several Canadian-flagged vehicles were parked in the parking lot while police patrolled the area.
There is a visible police presence patrolling the parliamentary precinct and the roads around downtown Ottawa, with a motor vehicle control area created to prevent vehicles from stopping or participating in protests.
All vehicles that stop or park in the control area will be rejected and towed, while police say any vehicle participating in the protests will be banned from entering the area.
On Friday morning, Ottawa regulatory services officers issued 275 parking tickets and towed 72 vehicles from the vehicle control area. Ordinance officials have also increased fines for unusual noise, screaming, urinating or defecating on roads and sidewalks, blocking a road and slowing down. The fines are now $ 1,000.
Despite his presence, Ottawa police say it is safe for families to come to the city center for Canada Day events.
“Come on, don’t worry. This is a festival. This is to celebrate Canada, so we’ve gotten to the point where we have to put plans and resources around it,” Acting Chief Steve Bell told The The Evan Solomon Show Thursday. “It will be a safe environment, that’s why we’re here to ensure it.”
Four people were arrested after an incident at the National War Memorial on Thursday, shortly after Canadian Forces veteran James Topp completed his march across the country to protest COVID-19 vaccine warrants.
“We are reviewing the video and investigating the incident at the National War Memorial this evening,” police said on Twitter Thursday evening. “Initial investigation finds that an interaction with the agents turned into confrontation and 1 agent was drowned. Other agents responded immediately, 4 people were arrested.”
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau calls on Canadians to re-commit to the country’s values on Canada Day, including respect, hope and kindness.
In his official Canada Day message, the Prime Minister said July 1 is an opportunity to commit to the values represented by Maple Leaf.
“It’s also a promise: a promise of opportunity, a promise of security for those fleeing violence and war, and a promise of a better life,” he said.
Archived by The Canadian Press and Natalie van Rooy of CTV News Ottawa