Fredericton businesses, schools brace for rally in the downtown core
CBC
Fredericton businesses and schools near the downtown core are preparing for potential disruptions as a planned "gridlock" rally looms on Friday afternoon.
An online flyer has been circulating recently on social media, titled "New Brunswick Freedom Convoy 2022."
It calls on participants to gather at the New Brunswick legislature at 1 p.m. Friday and "Come together & grid lock Fredericton while our fellow NB Freedom Fighters hold the line in Ottawa."
Some schools in Francophone-Sud and Anglophone-West have made the decision to cancel classes Friday due to safety concerns and the possible impact on school bus routes.
In an emailed update to families, both districts say there is no expectation for students to take part in classes online Friday.
The following schools will be closed:
Both school boards will inform parents on Sunday about a switch to online learning should the rally continue and disrupt Monday's school day.
The Anglophone-East school board, in Moncton, also sent out an email, calling on families to not engage in the rally or to demonstrate outside schools.
"The demonstrations announced in other regions are causing feelings of anxiety among many students and staff," read the notice.
"This climate harms the school environment and learning already impacted by COVID-19."
The rally comes during the Valentine's Day weekend as many businesses in the downtown core have weathered financial loss due to winter storms the past two weekends.
The general manager of the Crowne Plaza hotel on Queen Street, Trevor Morgan, says he's mindful of how the business may be affected by a protest in the downtown.
"I can tell you for a fact that we're going to have some folks that are involved in the protests staying at the hotel," said Morgan.
"They're welcome to stay with us as long as they understand that they need to follow the protocols that are in place based upon the mandatory order," said Morgan, noting this involves checking proof of vaccination and following proper masking requirements.
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