A protest dubbed a “slow-rolling convoy” by organizers tied up traffic in parts of Halifax on Sunday.
The demonstration brought out a large number of vehicles, many decorated with signs and flags, in support of a growing and ongoing anti-mandate protest in Ottawa.
Halifax Regional Police (HRP) tweeted Sunday night that the planned protest involved “in excess of a thousand” vehicles, and thanked the public for their patience.
Demonstrations have spread to several cities in Canada in support of the protests against COVID-19 restrictions and the federal government.
HRP issued a statement Sunday morning, saying they were aware of an event “involving a significant number of vehicles” in different parts of the municipality. Police noted they were monitoring the situation and “officers will respond accordingly.”
Police went on to remind organizers, attendees and members of the public to follow COVID-19 restrictions and Motor Vehicle Act laws.
The rally began in the city’s south end, travelled through downtown and wound its way to the Bayer’s Lake Business Park. The convoy was met by counterprotesters at certain points along the route.
HRP provided an update in the afternoon, saying traffic was congested and “asking the public to continue to avoid these areas.”
On Friday, the province issued a directive under the Emergency Management Act “prohibiting protesters from blockading or disrupting traffic on any road, street or highway in Nova Scotia.”
It applies to municipal roads, streets and highways.
According to the directive, as of Feb. 4, “all persons are prohibited from stopping, parking, or operating a vehicle or putting any item in such a manner as to create or contribute to a partial or complete blockade of the normal flow of vehicle traffic on a road, street or highway in the Province.”
Fines will range from $3,000 to $10,000 for individuals and between $20,000 and $100,000 for corporations.
It follows a similar directive issued Jan. 28 — which is still in effect — that banned protesters from organizing a blockade at the Nova Scotia-New Brunswick border.