Protestors were blocking north and southbound traffic near the Coutts border in southern Alberta Saturday afternoon, according to RCMP.
Police issued advisories, asking drivers not to travel south on Highway 4 near the weigh station.
American officials told northbound traffic to avoid the area as well.
Protestors had also blocked access to the village of Coutts, and Mayor Jim Willettt said that means emergency vehicles are unable to get in or out of the area.
“It’s scary. If we had to bring in fire trucks there’s no way to get up the shoulder. And maybe you could run through the back roads and finally get there, but all of that is time and in an emergency situation time is very important,” Willett said.
“We do have a volunteer fire department and ambulance. Our volunteer EMTs can do first response, but according to AHS rules we’re not supposed to transport anyone to the hospital. We’re one of those places that got caught in the shuffle a few years ago with ambulances.”
He said for the most part, the protestors have been peaceful, but residents are on edge.
“I have an older population here — 250 people about — and they’re not used to seeing so many people out and about in the village,” Willett added.
“There’s people walking up and down the streets. A lot of trucks and SUVs with flags flying. It’s a little nervous-making but there’s been no indication that anybody’s here for anything bad.”
RCMP were continuing dialogue and hoping to engage the protesters to move their vehicles, and exploring all options including enforcement.
Mounties said hundreds of vehicles were taking part in the protest, which was peaceful.
With files from The Canadian Press
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