WINNIPEG — Protesters who have been blocking a major street in downtown Winnipeg as part of a countrywide demonstration against COVID-19 vaccine mandates and restrictions have moved to a nearby park.
City police say the protesters left as part of negotiations with officers to try to minimize the impact on the community.
Dozens of large trucks, farm and personal vehicles set up camp outside the legislature on Feb. 4.
Residents in the area have been complaining about noise pollution and traffic delays.
Winnipeg Police Chief Danny Smyth says officers have made progress to minimize the effects by talking to the protesters.
Similar demonstrations, mainly at border crossings across the country, shut down this week, but protest organizers in Winnipeg say they plan to stay for now.
Winnipeg police said Friday that the group has dwindled in size, but there are still up to 150 people participating on a daily basis. Half a dozen farm vehicles, more than a dozen semi-trucks, and numerous personal vehicles remain.
Supt. Dave Dalal would not say whether any tickets had been issued. He said that information will be released once the protest has ended.
Police have charged one 42-year-old man with assault. They allege he hit a group of four protesters with his vehicle.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 18, 2022.
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This story was produced with the financial assistance of the Facebook and Canadian Press News Fellowship
The Canadian Press
