Be prepared for road closures in light of 'slow roll' protests in Hamilton and Niagara

Police are cautioning Hamiltonians about potential road closures this weekend as there are plans for a "slow roll" protest to move through the city.

The "slow roll to city hall" – arranged by a local group in support of the convoy demonstrations in Ottawa – will start at the Battlefield House Museum parking lot in Stoney Creek at 10 a.m. on Feb. 5 and head to city hall via King Street.

Police say they're aware of the event, and warn it could mean traffic holdups. 

"Our priority will be to ensure public safety and to keep the peace," spokesperson Jackie Penman told CBC Hamilton in an email.

"We will endeavour to minimize the impact on the travelling public and to ensure order and public safety."

Hamilton police encourage the public to check for road closure information and monitor local media for information and alternate routes.

A pandemic restrictions protest in Ottawa has been going on for a week, with vehicles parked and honking on roads leading to Parliament Hill since last Friday, and widespread reports of threats and harassment in the area. 

On its website last month, the Ontario Trucking Association said it doesn't support "any protests on public roadways, highways, and bridges." It posted that statement on its website in January. When contacted Friday, the association pointed to that same statement. 

In it, the association said "such actions – especially those that interfere with public safety – are not how disagreements with government policies should be expressed."

It also said it's not acceptable to disrupt the "motoring public on highways and commerce at the border," and those looking to publicly express their views on government policies can "choose to hold an organized, lawful event on Parliament Hill or contact their local MP."

As for Niagara, social media posts indicate there could be a convoy starting in Niagara-on-the-Lake and heading down Highway 8.

The Niagara Regional Police Service said it will be monitoring it to make sure everyone remains safe. 

There will be no police escort for the demonstration, police say they expects participants to follow the Highway Traffic Act.

"The service, and our officers, must balance issues relating to the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and public safety concerns," said spokesperson Stephanie Sabourin.