Police have reopened some roads in Toronto’s downtown core after protests in solidarity with the anti-mandate demonstrations in Ottawa took place in the city on Saturday.
On Friday, Toronto police closed several roads due to the expected protests.
Police said Queen’s Park Circle to the north, Dundas Street West to the south, Bay Street to the east and University Avenue to the west were closed.
“All east to west traffic will be diverted, except TTC,” officers said.
Early Saturday morning, police expanded the closures to Church Street to the east, Spadina Avenue to the west, Queen Street to the south and Dupont Street to the north.
On Sunday, officers said only Hospital Row — University Avenue from Dundas Street to College — and Queen’s Park remained closed.
“All other roads reopened,” the force said in a tweet. “We continue to monitor.”
On Saturday, hundreds of protesters gathered on the grounds of Queen’s Park, holding Canadian flags and signs reading “freedom.”
Toronto police confirmed on Sunday that no arrests had been made on Saturday relating to the protests.
“Protest activity in our city today was by all accounts peaceful and respectful,” he said in the statement. “I’m very grateful for that.”
The demonstrations, initially aimed at denouncing vaccine mandates for truck drivers crossing the Canada-U.S. border, have since morphed into a protest against a variety of COVID-19 restrictions and the federal government.
On Friday, Premier Doug Ford declared a state of emergency.
Tory thanked police, city workers and TTC employees for their efforts.
The mayor also confirmed that only University Avenue from Dundas Street to College Street — known as Hospital Row — and Queen’s Park Circle from College Street to Bloor Street remain closed.
“Police are continuing to monitor “convoy protests” across Ontario and are prepared to immediately reinstate road closures should it prove necessary,” Tory said.