Thousands of people dressed in red and white and unfurling Canadian flags packed downtown Ottawa to celebrate Canada’s 155th birthday as police watched the crowds for possible protests against COVID-19 vaccines and restrictions.
This is the first in-person Canada Day in Ottawa in three years after COVID-19 restrictions forced the cancellation of events in 2020 and 2021.
“We’ve already missed two years,” Rebecca Lau said as she stood outside Parliament Hill. “We used to come here every year to celebrate Canada Day, but the last two years we had to stay home because of the pandemic.”
Highlights include a daytime ceremony and evening show at LeBreton Flats, family-friendly activities and fireworks at 10 p.m. The Canadian Forces Snowbirds were forced to cancel their annual Canada Day flyover over Ottawa after a recent technical issue.
Two kilometers from LeBreton Flats, Parliament Hill and the streets around the Parliament buildings were filled with people celebrating Canada Day.
“It’s great to see everyone here celebrating and enjoying Canada Day. It’s good to see all the patriotism going on; good, positive look,” said Todd Salter, visiting Ottawa from Erin, Ont. “There are protesters here, but they seem calm at the moment, which is a nice change. It feels a bit normal and it’s really nice to be back.’
The Canada Day celebrations come months after Freedom Convoy protesters occupied streets around Parliament Hill protesting against the COVID-19 vaccine mandates. A protest march against the mandates and the government of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is planned for later this afternoon.
Freedom Fights Canada’s website says a Freedom Walk will take place at 3:30 p.m., followed by speeches, live music and DJs on Parliament Hill from 5 to 8 p.m.
A “Family Day Picnic” organized by the group Police on Guard for Thee at a nearby park was canceled, with organizers citing a “recent incident in Ottawa.” However, no further details were provided.
A small crowd gathered in Strathcona Park, although the picnic was canceled and the leader of the People’s Party of Canada, Maxime Bernier, planned to address supporters in the area. Several Canadian-flagged vehicles were parked in the parking lot as 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 zone set up to prevent vehicles from stopping or participating in protests.
Any vehicles stopping or parking in the control area will be fined and towed, while police say all vehicles involved in the protests will be banned from entering the area.
As of Friday morning, Ottawa officers had issued 275 parking tickets and towed 72 vehicles from the vehicle control area. Bylaw officers also increased fines for making unusual noise, yelling, urinating or defecating on roads and sidewalks, blocking a highway and idling. Fines are now $1,000.
Despite their presence, Ottawa police say it’s safe for families to come downtown for Canada Day events.
“Come on, don’t worry. It’s a festival. It’s to celebrate Canada, that’s why we’ve gotten to the point where we have to put the plans and the resources around it,” interim chief Steve Bell told The Evan Solomon Show on Thursday. “It’s going to be a safe environment, so we’re here to ensure that.”
Four people were arrested after an incident at the National War Memorial on Thursday, shortly after Canadian Forces veteran James Topp finished his march to protest the COVID-19 vaccine mandates.
“We are reviewing video and investigating the incident at the National War Memorial tonight,” police said on Twitter Thursday evening. “Initial investigation indicates that the interaction with officers became confrontational and 1 officer was choked. Other officers responded immediately, 4 people were arrested.”
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is calling on Canadians to recommit 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 that the maple leaf represents.
“It is also a promise – a promise of opportunity, a promise of safety for those fleeing violence and war, and a promise of a better life,” he said.
With files from The Canadian Press and Natalie van Rooy of CTV News Ottawa
Add Comment