Two people were arrested as two anti-mandate rallies were held in Calgary Saturday.
One began at Olympic Plaza, with about 200 people, who then marched down Stephen Avenue to Harley Hotchkiss Gardens.
Trevor Simpson was one of them.
“For the freedom of all Canadians,” said Simpson, explaining why he was at the rally. “My grandfather fought at Normandy. There’s a reason why we have freedoms, and we haven’t had freedoms for a long time in this country.”
The group eventually made their way back to city hall before dispersing.
Another 200 or so gathered at Prince’s Island Park for a second protest.
Calgary police said that’s where they arrested a protester for breaching the injunction that’s in place, which prohibits people from sounding horns, blocking traffic and gathering in a park which unreasonably disturbs the use of the park.
A second person was arrested for two outstanding warrants.
Under the Traffic Safety Act, CPS issued 19 summons including 14 for excessive use of a horn and additional offences for expired registration and equipment violations. Further tickets are anticipated based on evidence gathered at the demonstrations.
Bylaw issued one summons for violating the injunction and 25 tickets, including 23 for excessive horn-honking, one for illegal use of a drone and one ticket for operating a business booth without a licence.
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One vehicle was towed to the impound lot for not being registered.
Police said there were no injuries or property damage during the demonstrations.
“Our aim again today was to reduce the impact of these demonstrations on the residents and visitors to our downtown core. This was largely achieved thanks to the collective efforts of our officers and partner agencies,” said Deputy Chief Chad Tawfik in a news release Saturday evening.
“We anticipate these demonstrations will continue in Calgary as they have in other cities in Canada. We vow to do all we can to ensure the rights for those to protest do not negatively impact others in the city of Calgary. We would like to thank those involved who were compliant before and during the protests.”
For months, rallies have been held in Central Memorial Park, typically followed by a march down 17 Avenue.
On Saturday, a small group of people with Community Solidarity YYC set up lawn chairs in the park.
The group’s Hunter Yaworski was one of those enjoying the quiet.
“It’s really nice and I’m sure a lot of the people living in the building surrounding this park and on 17th Avenue appreciate it as well. A nice, quiet afternoon. There’s no honking.”
–with files from Carolyn Kury de Castillo, Global News
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