Fredericton Police, along with policing partners and Department of Public Safety continue to monitor the ongoing protest in Fredericton. Our primary responsibility to ensure the safety and security of everyone, while permitting peaceful protest activity.
Police estimate that approximately 700 people attended the protest throughout the day, in addition to more than 300 vehicles that participated in related convoys through the downtown.
At present, we can confirm that two adult males have been arrested for Criminal Code violations, at least three Emergency Measures Act tickets (appearance notices) have been issued, and multiple Motor Vehicle Act tickets issued. (Note: All numbers are estimates at this time, with a total count to be made available at a later date.) One vehicle was seized under the Emergency Measures Act.
One by-law ticket has been issued for setting off fireworks.
Around 2:15 p.m.., St. John Street at King Street and Queen Street at Regent Street had to be closed to vehicle traffic for safety reasons and crowd control and reopened after approximately an hour.
Just before 2:30 p.m., a group of protesters traveled on foot to City Hall at York and Queen Streets, and after a short break, made their way back to the protest area. While there were some associated traffic delays, motorists were able to continue to make their way around the downtown.
The Nevers Road overpass was also closed for a brief period, before police were able to move them along. Several large trucks did attempt to enter the downtown and were turned away without a valid manifest.
At this hour, there is ongoing dialogue with the organizers to ensure a peaceful and lawful event. There will be a continued and highly visible law enforcement presence. We are all here to mitigate any risk to public safety, and please continue to report any suspicious, concerning or criminal activity.
We are asking the general public to avoid the protest area. Please continue to respect all parking bylaws, including the overnight parking ban. The Noise Bylaw is available should incessant and disturbing noise come from the protesters, especially in the overnight hours. This is out of respect for those that live close to the site.