Elisabetta Bianchini
Mon, January 31, 2022, 10:41 AM·4 min read
Ottawa is still filled with demonstrators and trucks blocking downtown streets as the protest, initially aimed against COVID-19 public health measures, continues for its third day.
On Sunday, Ottawa Police Service confirmed policing costs alone are estimated to be $800,000 a day.
"Police are aware that many demonstrators have announced their intention to stay in place," a statement from Ottawa police reads. "This will continue to cause major traffic, noise and safety issues in the downtown core. We urge all residents to avoid travel to the core."
"Police have avoided ticketing and towing vehicle so as not to instigate confrontations with demonstrators. Still, confrontations and the need for de-escalation has regularly been required."
A number of schools, businesses in downtown Ottawa, including the city's Rideau Centre mall, and vaccine clinics have closed.
Police also stated Sunday that investigations are underway, looking into the desecration of the National War Memorial and the Terry Fox statue.
A local homeless shelter, Shepherds of Good Hope, shared that staff and volunteers were harassed and assaulted by demonstrators who were demanding food.
"While we are not certain of exact numbers, the demands for meals and verbal altercations continued for several hours over the dinner period," a statement from Shepherds of Good Hope reads.
"One member of our shelter community was assaulted by protestors. A security guard went to his aid and was threatened and called racial slurs."
Several Canadians have taken to social media to condemn the actions of these demonstrators.
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