Ottawa police say it “overcame the challenges” of Canada Day’s long weekend, which was the first in-person celebrations since the pandemic began along with the protests.
City officials promised a solid police presence and zero tolerance for those who violate the statutes or cause unrest while planning the return of anti-government and anti-COVID-19 protesters.
A march and rally at the National War Memorial on Thursday evening drew a large crowd of more than 1,000 people, but the protests planned for Canada Day were much smaller.
Police say they arrested 12 people and filed 50 criminal charges, though only a few appear to be related to the protests.
Four people were arrested Thursday evening and three were eventually charged after police said an officer was drowned during an altercation at the war memorial.
Another man was arrested that same day for allegedly violating bail conditions that prevent him from entering Ottawa.
Other incidents included a fight near LeBreton Flats on Canada Day, where police say a 19-year-old man was arrested at gunpoint after brandishing a knife at the RCMP; an alleged same-day assault in Lower Town, where a 38-year-old man and a 42-year-old man were arrested; along with various weapons and drug charges over the weekend.
This report from The Canadian Press was first published on July 5, 2022.