Calgary’s temporary court injunction against Beltline protests ends

The temporary injunction against the Beltline protests has ended, the City of Calgary announced on Tuesday.

The injunction, which had been in place since March 18, was granted by an Alberta Court of Queen’s Bench Justice to help address ongoing protests in the Beltline and elsewhere in Calgary.

It came after participants clashed with counter-protesters in the Beltline on March 12, which created a blockage on 17 Avenue for around an hour.

The city has since said the injunction has served its intended purpose and thanked everyone for their cooperation.

“Since that time, the injunction has served its intended purpose, which was to deter ongoing public safety issues, noise issues, traffic disruptions and other concerns raised by residents and businesses,” the City of Calgary said in an emailed press release on Tuesday.

“We believe the injunction is no longer required and that ongoing activity can effectively be managed under existing laws and bylaws.”

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The city also said it will be discontinuing its application for a permanent injunction and will work collaboratively with law enforcement to monitor ongoing protests. However, it did not rule out seeking an injunction in the future.

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“People are reminded that relevant bylaws and legislation remain in effect and that if you are planning an event, please ensure appropriate permits are in place,” the city said.

Mayor Jyoti Gondek told Global News on Tuesday the injunction sent a clear message on what is and isn’t appropriate at protests and rallies in the city. She said the protestors seem to have understood the injunction and are now congregating in places that are more appropriate for their cause.

“It is my sincere plea to Calgarians who wish to gather to deliver a message of protest to please do so right here at City Hall. You can do so at McDougall Centre. You can do so at Harry Hayes. Please do not disrupt neighbourhoods,” Gondek said.

“We understand what we had to do last time when things were getting heavy in your neighbourhood. We will not be hesitant to respond in the same manner if needed.”

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1:56 Counter protesters turn out to voice opposition to ongoing anti-mandate rallies

Jake Eskesen, a spokesperson for Calgary Freedom Central, said he is pleased to see the injunction has come to an end. He also accused Gondek and the city administration of their “blatant overreach” regarding the injunction, adding there are organizations potentially looking into legal action.

“We will continue to protest weekly until all COVID mandates and restrictions at all levels of government are removed, as for any plans to return to the Beltline, the situation will be evaluated on a week-by-week basis,” Eskesen said.