Calgary police mapped out their safety plan for addressing the weekend freedom protests in the Beltline and threatened arrests for those who don’t comply with an injunction..During a special meeting with the Calgary Police Commission, Calgary Police Service (CPS) reviewed its safety plan with the objective to maintain peace and protect public safety and minimize community and traffic disruptions in the Beltline..CPS said as a result of ongoing weekend protest marches through the Beltline, the community has “become increasingly frustrated with the ongoing disruptions and community safety concerns” and protesters are “no longer following police direction.”.An injunction was granted on Friday prohibiting the blocking of traffic on roads and sidewalks, walking in the middle of the roadways, preventing vehicles and pedestrians from lawfully passing by or accessing businesses in the area and unnecessary sounding of horns and other noisemakers..The CPS said its Public Safety Unit will have a high visibility presence for Saturday’s rally. A complex traffic safety plan will also be put in place before during and after the event and road closures will be in place..Police will use social media to share real-time communications from the event and press conferences will happen as required..CPS said they have been communicating with all involved including demonstration organizers and community residents and business orders..The rallies have varied in size from approximately 300 at the beginning of 2022 to 2,000-5,000 throughout February and have dropped under 2,000 for March..On March 12, CPS said after an hour-long standoff on 17th Ave. officers had to intervene to make a path for the freedom marchers..More than 400 witness submissions were received by city council, both from local businesses and residents expressing the impact of the ongoing protests and from countless Calgarians expressing concerns around their rights to freely protest..“Like city council, we have also received hundreds of emails and phone calls from Calgarians about these protests. We completely understand the impact this is having on the residents and businesses in the Beltline and want to make it end,” said Commission Chair Shawn Cornett..“This is an unprecedented situation that is extremely complicated legally and from a policing perspective, but we need to find a way to stop the disruptions that are undermining many residents’ ability to enjoy their homes, businesses and community.”.Police are calling on everyone to contribute to the de-escalation of tensions around these protests..“Complex problems like this can only be solved together and our goal is to ensure that the service is getting the support they need from the city and province, which is a goal I know city council shares,” adds Cornett..“Communication around this situation has been a challenge and we will work at better ways to connect more effectively.”.CPS said people can expect to see a large presence of police in the downtown and Beltline area. Bylaw enforcement options include ticketing, detention and the issuing of a summons. CPS said they are fully prepared to make arrests if they find anyone in contravention of the injunction..Melanie Risdon is a reporter with the Western Standard.,.mrisdon@westernstandardonline.com
Calgary police mapped out their safety plan for addressing the weekend freedom protests in the Beltline and threatened arrests for those who don’t comply with an injunction..During a special meeting with the Calgary Police Commission, Calgary Police Service (CPS) reviewed its safety plan with the objective to maintain peace and protect public safety and minimize community and traffic disruptions in the Beltline..CPS said as a result of ongoing weekend protest marches through the Beltline, the community has “become increasingly frustrated with the ongoing disruptions and community safety concerns” and protesters are “no longer following police direction.”.An injunction was granted on Friday prohibiting the blocking of traffic on roads and sidewalks, walking in the middle of the roadways, preventing vehicles and pedestrians from lawfully passing by or accessing businesses in the area and unnecessary sounding of horns and other noisemakers..The CPS said its Public Safety Unit will have a high visibility presence for Saturday’s rally. A complex traffic safety plan will also be put in place before during and after the event and road closures will be in place..Police will use social media to share real-time communications from the event and press conferences will happen as required..CPS said they have been communicating with all involved including demonstration organizers and community residents and business orders..The rallies have varied in size from approximately 300 at the beginning of 2022 to 2,000-5,000 throughout February and have dropped under 2,000 for March..On March 12, CPS said after an hour-long standoff on 17th Ave. officers had to intervene to make a path for the freedom marchers..More than 400 witness submissions were received by city council, both from local businesses and residents expressing the impact of the ongoing protests and from countless Calgarians expressing concerns around their rights to freely protest..“Like city council, we have also received hundreds of emails and phone calls from Calgarians about these protests. We completely understand the impact this is having on the residents and businesses in the Beltline and want to make it end,” said Commission Chair Shawn Cornett..“This is an unprecedented situation that is extremely complicated legally and from a policing perspective, but we need to find a way to stop the disruptions that are undermining many residents’ ability to enjoy their homes, businesses and community.”.Police are calling on everyone to contribute to the de-escalation of tensions around these protests..“Complex problems like this can only be solved together and our goal is to ensure that the service is getting the support they need from the city and province, which is a goal I know city council shares,” adds Cornett..“Communication around this situation has been a challenge and we will work at better ways to connect more effectively.”.CPS said people can expect to see a large presence of police in the downtown and Beltline area. Bylaw enforcement options include ticketing, detention and the issuing of a summons. CPS said they are fully prepared to make arrests if they find anyone in contravention of the injunction..Melanie Risdon is a reporter with the Western Standard.,.mrisdon@westernstandardonline.com