In 13th day of protest, police warn of arrests, charges for those blocking streets

• City can now issue fines of $1,000 for noise, idling and fires.
• OPP are talking with Ottawa police about latest request for help, says the province.
• Ottawa city council postpones committee meetings to focus on the protest.
• There's a new protest camp at Bronson Avenue and Heron Road.
• U.S. Embassy urges citizens in Canada to avoid all convoy-related protests. 
• City hall, downtown library locations to remain closed Thursday. 
• Snow removal difficult around Parliament Hill, city says.

As the demonstration reaches its 13th day, Ottawa police are warning protesters who continue to block downtown streets that it's time to move along and let traffic flow or face possible arrest and criminal charges.

"It is a criminal offence to obstruct, interrupt or interfere with the lawful use, enjoyment, or operation of property," police said in a news release issued on Wednesday afternoon.

They say blocking streets — or helping others block streets — falls under the mischief to property offence and those continuing to do so can be charged without a warrant and their vehicles detained or, after a conviction, forfeited.

Those with charges or convictions related to the protest may also find they're not allowed to cross the border into the U.S., police said. 

The disruptive demonstration against pandemic rules is nearing the two-week mark and this week, a court order was issued to stop loud horns and a dance continues between protesters trying to bring in fuel and police officers trying to stop it.

WATCH | Many Ottawa protesters say they don't intend to stop:

Threat of criminal charges, vehicle seizures won’t dissuade Ottawa protesters

3 years ago

Duration 2:11

The protesters in Ottawa are being warned about the possibility of criminal charges, arrests and vehicle seizures from police, but instead of packing up, some are digging in.

The warning from police comes hours after Ottawa's mayor and city manager provided a post-city council update on the ongoing protest, which brought news the city can now issue fines of $1,000 for certain offences. Just as the meeting was starting, the city confirmed to CBC the province had approved its request to raise some fines to $1,000.

That is a large increase from the usual cost for violating open fire, idling and noise bylaws.

Bylaw officers issued a total of 154 tickets in the main demonstration area on Tuesday, but didn't tow any vehicles. Since the protest began, 29 vehicles have been towed, according to Kim Ayotte, the city's manager of emergency and protective services. 

There was talk at city council earlier on Wednesday about what kinds of other injunctions the city could seek.

City solicitor David White told reporters any city court filings would be done in partnership with the police that would have to enforce it.

Update on extra police may come Wednesday

Mayor Jim Watson said he would like to get the request for more police resources approved in time for the weekend, which is when crowds have been at their largest so far.

The office of Ontario's solicitor general told CBC Wednesday the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is still talking to Ottawa police about what else the OPP can send.

In a separate news conference happening at the same time, Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino told reporters the RCMP is also involved and he hopes they can get the city a number later Wednesday.

Some councillors also expressed displeasure at police and the federal government allowing protesters to set up a new camp in a parking lot on Bronson Avenue near Heron Road.

City manager Steve Kanellakos said during the update police are trying to manage disruptions and direct protesters to a better option than downtown streets.

Council voted to cancel committee meetings until Feb. 18 to focus on the protest response.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he spoke to Ontario Premier Doug Ford Wednesday evening about how to support Ontarians. On Twitter afterwards, he called for the blockades to stop.

Also on Wednesday, the U.S. Embassy cautioned American citizens in Canada to avoid all convoy-related protests.

While "there is a very small likelihood of violence at a political gathering in Canada," the embassy said in a news release posted on its website that it recommended keeping a "high level of vigilance."