Freedom Convoy demonstrators are still occupying 176 St. southbound at 8 Ave. in Surrey, completely shutting off traffic near the Pacific Highway Border Crossing. .“The purpose of these events are for the removal of the mandates and restrictions that are negatively affecting our country,” writes the protesters’ Facebook group. .“This is not an anti-vaccine or anti-mask page, as we believe in the freedom of choice.” .RCMP said in a statement Sunday traffic will still be chaos in the area, later confirming four people had been arrested by Sunday afternoon..“The public can expect to see continued traffic congestion and road closures in the area. At this time, the border crossing is closed to the public and Surrey RCMP is advising drivers and pedestrians to stay away from the area and use an alternate border crossing,” RCMP said in a statement..“While the majority of protestors dissipated yesterday afternoon, a small group remained overnight. Police continue to monitor the situation alongside our provincial and federal RCMP partners as well as the Canada Border Services Agency..“In regards to yesterday’s protests — while mainly peaceful, the actions of those who breached police barricades are under investigation. Police will be following up based on the evidence obtained at the time of the incident.”.Members of the public are encouraged to check for road closure information on Drivebc.ca, and monitor local media for information and alternate routes..“People are cleaning up and keeping it tidy. Lots of food is coming in. Bring flags, wear comfy shoes, bring a chair and warm blanket. Just be here,” one supporter said. .A large, private property for parking campers and trucks is said to be available, although coordinators wish to keep the details close to the vest — only sharing with those who need the space..…more to come.Reid Small is a BC-based reporter for the Western Standard.,rsmall@westernstandardonline.com,.Twitter.com/reidsmall
Freedom Convoy demonstrators are still occupying 176 St. southbound at 8 Ave. in Surrey, completely shutting off traffic near the Pacific Highway Border Crossing. .“The purpose of these events are for the removal of the mandates and restrictions that are negatively affecting our country,” writes the protesters’ Facebook group. .“This is not an anti-vaccine or anti-mask page, as we believe in the freedom of choice.” .RCMP said in a statement Sunday traffic will still be chaos in the area, later confirming four people had been arrested by Sunday afternoon..“The public can expect to see continued traffic congestion and road closures in the area. At this time, the border crossing is closed to the public and Surrey RCMP is advising drivers and pedestrians to stay away from the area and use an alternate border crossing,” RCMP said in a statement..“While the majority of protestors dissipated yesterday afternoon, a small group remained overnight. Police continue to monitor the situation alongside our provincial and federal RCMP partners as well as the Canada Border Services Agency..“In regards to yesterday’s protests — while mainly peaceful, the actions of those who breached police barricades are under investigation. Police will be following up based on the evidence obtained at the time of the incident.”.Members of the public are encouraged to check for road closure information on Drivebc.ca, and monitor local media for information and alternate routes..“People are cleaning up and keeping it tidy. Lots of food is coming in. Bring flags, wear comfy shoes, bring a chair and warm blanket. Just be here,” one supporter said. .A large, private property for parking campers and trucks is said to be available, although coordinators wish to keep the details close to the vest — only sharing with those who need the space..…more to come.Reid Small is a BC-based reporter for the Western Standard.,rsmall@westernstandardonline.com,.Twitter.com/reidsmall
