Katie Griffin
CTV News Ottawa Multi-Skilled Journalist
Published Friday, February 4, 2022
Ottawa City Councillor for Somerset Ward Catherine McKenney participates in a “community safety walk” with Centretown residents in reaction to a protest against COVID-19 restrictions in Ottawa that is continuing into its second week, on Friday, Feb. 4, 2022.
Published Friday, February 4, 2022
Ottawa City Councillor for Somerset Ward Catherine McKenney participates in a “community safety walk” with Centretown residents in reaction to a protest against COVID-19 restrictions in Ottawa that is continuing into its second week, on Friday, Feb. 4, 2022.
(Justin Tang/THE CANADIAN PRESS)
After a week of near-constant truck horns, harassment and late-night fireworks, residents in Ottawa's Centretown neighbourhood say they've had enough and dozens took to the streets Friday for a community safety walk.
"I'm just so tired of the noise and the disruption," said resident Jordan Leichnitz. "I feel like a prisoner in my own house. We should be able to walk in our neighbourhood. It doesn't feel safe."
Councillors say the informal walking route includes Bank, Nepean, Kent, O'Connor and Gilmour streets, adding those taking part should do so in groups.
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"We're not looking to confront, we're not looking to change any minds, we just want to ensure that neighbours are looking after neighbours," said Coun. Jeff Leiper.
Walks around Centretown are expected to continue throughout the weekend.
"We're walking to make sure people feel safe coming out of their homes and that they know they have a safe spot with people that are going to be on the street in Centretown and we're hoping this happens in Lowertown and along Rideau as well," Coun. Shawn Menard said.
After a week of near-constant truck horns, harassment and late-night fireworks, residents in Ottawa's Centretown neighbourhood say they've had enough and dozens took to the streets Friday for a community safety walk.
"I'm just so tired of the noise and the disruption," said resident Jordan Leichnitz. "I feel like a prisoner in my own house. We should be able to walk in our neighbourhood. It doesn't feel safe."
Councillors say the informal walking route includes Bank, Nepean, Kent, O'Connor and Gilmour streets, adding those taking part should do so in groups.
Related Stories
Ottawa police launch 'surge and contain' strategy at 'Freedom Convoy' protest
Ottawa protesters vow to stay in face of mounting opposition from city, businesses
"We're not looking to confront, we're not looking to change any minds, we just want to ensure that neighbours are looking after neighbours," said Coun. Jeff Leiper.
Walks around Centretown are expected to continue throughout the weekend.
"We're walking to make sure people feel safe coming out of their homes and that they know they have a safe spot with people that are going to be on the street in Centretown and we're hoping this happens in Lowertown and along Rideau as well," Coun. Shawn Menard said.
Coun. Catherine McKenney said this is not a counter-protest.
"This is really only about coming together because we care," they said.
"I want to be free to walk our city streets, to park, to see things and to have our children walk the city streets without being hassled by people," Valerie Burton said.
"I came out today to support the people that are having to put up with these things when there are many more important things that we need to be worrying about and they should get out of here," Ottawa resident Patrice Leclerc said.
Vancouver healthcare workers warned to hide scrubs to stay safe during protests
"Vancouver doesn’t want you here": leaders warn of protest disruptions
Map routes circulating on social media showed that protests would go by St Paul’s Hospital in Downtown Vancouver and Vancouver General Hospital in Fairview.
“Out of concern for their safety, our members have been advised by the local health authority to remove their ID badges and to change out their scrubs when outside their hospital workplaces,” HEU said.
“It will be disheartening for hospital workers to see their workplaces targeted to the extent that they are being asked to hide their identities for their own protection.
“But health care workers also know that they have the overwhelming support of British Columbians every day, and especially on days like this.”
In Vancouver, some “Freedom Convoy” supporters were met by counter protesters on Terminal Avenue before the Vancouver Police cleared the roadway to allow traffic to continue.
“The expressions of and support from the public are much appreciated, and we urge everyone to stay safe today,” said HEU.
Daily Hive has reached out to Vancouver Coastal Health for more information and will update this story.
Sarah Anderson
Feb 5 2022, 1:51 pm
Protesters in Vancouver on January 29 - GoToVan/Flickr
Following protests across Canada and Metro Vancouver, healthcare workers are being warned to ditch their scrubs when they’re outside of the hospital over safety concerns.
On Saturday, February 5, as protesters entered Vancouver with horns blaring, the Hospital Employees Union (HEU) shared a Twitter thread detailing how its members were being instructed to keep themselves safe amidst demonstrations.
“Today, a convoy of trucks is planned for Vancouver to oppose public health measures that are helping prevent our hospitals from completely collapsing under the weight of this pandemic,” said HEU.
“After nearly two years on the front lines of this pandemic, hospital workers are exhausted. But this weekend, many will be pulling extra shifts to make sure British Columbians have access to health care, including near record numbers of COVID-19 positive patients.
“The convoy has chosen to include major hospitals on its route.”
Feb 5 2022, 1:51 pm
Protesters in Vancouver on January 29 - GoToVan/Flickr
Following protests across Canada and Metro Vancouver, healthcare workers are being warned to ditch their scrubs when they’re outside of the hospital over safety concerns.
On Saturday, February 5, as protesters entered Vancouver with horns blaring, the Hospital Employees Union (HEU) shared a Twitter thread detailing how its members were being instructed to keep themselves safe amidst demonstrations.
“Today, a convoy of trucks is planned for Vancouver to oppose public health measures that are helping prevent our hospitals from completely collapsing under the weight of this pandemic,” said HEU.
“After nearly two years on the front lines of this pandemic, hospital workers are exhausted. But this weekend, many will be pulling extra shifts to make sure British Columbians have access to health care, including near record numbers of COVID-19 positive patients.
“The convoy has chosen to include major hospitals on its route.”
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"Vancouver doesn’t want you here": leaders warn of protest disruptions
Map routes circulating on social media showed that protests would go by St Paul’s Hospital in Downtown Vancouver and Vancouver General Hospital in Fairview.
“Out of concern for their safety, our members have been advised by the local health authority to remove their ID badges and to change out their scrubs when outside their hospital workplaces,” HEU said.
“It will be disheartening for hospital workers to see their workplaces targeted to the extent that they are being asked to hide their identities for their own protection.
“But health care workers also know that they have the overwhelming support of British Columbians every day, and especially on days like this.”
In Vancouver, some “Freedom Convoy” supporters were met by counter protesters on Terminal Avenue before the Vancouver Police cleared the roadway to allow traffic to continue.
“The expressions of and support from the public are much appreciated, and we urge everyone to stay safe today,” said HEU.
Daily Hive has reached out to Vancouver Coastal Health for more information and will update this story.
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