Police officers from multiple forces cleared out the remaining protesters Sunday morning, breaking up a days-long demonstration near the Ambassador Bridge in Windsor.
Twelve people were arrested when officers advanced on the remaining protesters who were still gathered on Huron Church Road.
“Our officers – a team effort with Windsor police, the OPP, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police – together were able to have an operation where we were able to clear out these protestors,” said Sergeant Steve Betteridge. “Of those 12 arrests, there was no violence from the protesters and the officers did not have to use force.”
Betteridge said about 10 vehicles were towed and that police hope to have the roads open and traffic moving later in the afternoon.
In a statement, Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens said the border crossing will reopen when it is safe to do so, defering to police and border agencies to make that determination.
Demonstrators opposed to COVID-19 public health measures, including vaccine mandates, have been at the protest site since Monday, which has shut down much of the trade at one of Canada’s busiest border crossings.
“One of our goals from the onset of this entire operation was to be able to have a peaceful solution and so far that is what we have been able to have,” said Betteridge.
On Friday, the Ontario Superior Court Justice granted an injunction ordering demonstrators to clear the protest site by 7 p.m. that night but was largely ignored by the protestors.
That crowd grew throughout the day on Saturday and protestors remained on the street several hours after police had moved in to clear some of the blockade.
Police said only one arrest was made Saturday. A 27-year-old was taken into custody and charged with a criminal offence in relation to the demonstration.
A protestor MyNewsToday.ca spoke to said police did what they had to do, as did the people at the protest. After the past two years, they said being a part of the protest was the right thing to do.
Residents can expect an increased police presence in the area in order to maintain a safe environment.
“A continuous assessment of the situation is vital to ensure a sustainable solution,” said Betteridge.
