Area police are getting ready for the traffic involved with the ‘Freedom Convoy’ of truckers.
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) in the Northeast Region is advising drivers to expect delays Thursday and Friday, with potential slowdowns on highways across the region, including 17 and 11.
“The OPP is working with those involved to minimize the impact on the traveling public and to ensure order and public safety,” states a release. “The traveling public is advised to check ahead for road closure information and to monitor local media for information and alternate routes.”
They’re asking for patience, pointing out the demonstration may periodically delay or interrupt the normal flow of traffic.
The North Bay Police Service is working with its police partners as the ‘Freedom Convoy’ of trucks gets closer to the city.
The convoy will be making a stop on Pinewood Park Drive around 1 pm Friday with police asking motorists to avoid the area at that time if they’re able to find alternate routes.
“NBPS is working with our policing partners in the Ontario Provincial Police who will be monitoring the convoy as it makes its way to North Bay,” says David Woolley, Corporate Communications Officer, in a statement. “We have also reached out to the Greater Sudbury Police Service to get a better idea of the size of the convoy and any challenges they encounter.”
Woolley says they will have contingencies in place to maintain public safety and address any potential traffic congestion.
“We will have officers deployed to the area of Pinewood Park Drive on Jan. 28 to monitor traffic and provide enforcement if required,” he says.
The truckers are protesting the new federal rule that requires them to be vaccinated before they can cross back into Canada, without undergoing a 14-day quarantine.
A similar rule has been introduced by the U-S government.
They aim to hold a rally on Parliament Hill on Saturday.
**With files from Norman Jack