Ottawa police launch 'surge and contain' strategy at 'Freedom Convoy' protest
CTV
Ottawa police say they are stepping up measures to protect downtown neighbourhoods as the ‘Freedom Convoy’ protest reaches the one-week mark.
Chief Peter Sloly announced Friday morning a new “surge and contain strategy” that he said would "restore order, hold offenders to account and protect our neighbourhoods."
The strategy includes sending 150 more officers to affected neighbourhoods to target unlawful behaviour connected to the ongoing occupation, which is a protest against COVID-19 mandates.
"The surge will deliver a clear message to the demonstrators: the lawlessness must end," Sloly said.
The new measures also include barricading the protest “red zone” using hundreds of concrete and heavy-equipment barricades, cutting off access to the downtown core for more vehicles. Sloly said this will further isolate and contain the demonstration.
