Here's where you can and can't go in downtown Ottawa
City indicates checkpoint zone has slightly shrunk again
Even as businesses reopened and residents began to move more freely around Ottawa's downtown after the occupation of some streets, police checkpoints and barricades remain.
The protesters, some of whom called for an end to vaccine mandates, first rolled into town with the so-called Freedom Convoy Jan. 28, blocking roads and forcing the Rideau Centre and numerous other businesses to close their doors.
Police say they will remain in the area until they're certain the protesters won't return, and that's limiting movement. Here's a look at where you currently can and can't go in Ottawa's downtown.
Road closures
All five bridges over the Ottawa River are open, though there is a southbound lane closure on the Portage Bridge. All Queensway exits are now open.
Police restricted the area between Laurier Avenue, Bronson Avenue, the Rideau Canal and Parliament Hill to local traffic on Wednesday evening because of hazardous road conditions from snow and any remaining barriers from the protest.
The city indicated Friday morning that on Bank and Metcalfe streets, people can go up to Slater Street before seeing a checkpoint. The Mackenzie King Bridge is also open again westbound.
While officers remain stationed in the area, they're no longer considering it a secure zone. Anyone headed into the area can expect to be stopped and asked where they're going.
Police officers are stationed in the area to notify local residents of unsafe conditions. Crews will work through the night to begin removing some of the infrastructure that was in place to block the unlawful demonstration.<br><br>We will advise when the area is restored to normal.
—@OttawaPoliceSparks Street reopened to pedestrians on Tuesday, but only parliamentary employees are allowed north of the pedestrian area.
The western end Rideau Street is no longer listed as closed. The Queen Elizabeth Driveway is closed from Fifth Avenue to Somerset Street West.
Transit
Detours for OC Transpo buses have changed to match the shrinking checkpoint zone.
Several routes that use downtown streets are temporarily free. On Wednesday city council expanded that to include the Confederation Line along with free parking in city lots.
The last day of free transit is March 26. The last day of free parking is March 31.
The last update from the Société de transport de l'Outaouais came Tuesday, when it said the only connection to Ottawa would be between Pimisi station and Terrasses de la Chaudière.