Ottawa police form new command centre with RCMP, OPP to respond to downtown protest

Ottawa police say they are waiting for reinforcements to arrive to implement their 'plan to end this unlawful occupation' that has taken over downtown Ottawa streets for a third weekend.

"We expect that the ICC will result in a significantly enhanced ability of our police service to respond to the current situation in our city," Ottawa police said Saturday evening.

"The ICC will allow us to make the most effective use of the additional resources our policing partners have provided to us."

Approximately 4,000 demonstrators converged on Parliament Hill and roads across the Parliamentary Precinct again on Saturday, calling for an end to COVID-19 vaccine mandates and other public health measures. 

A group of people removed the security fences around the National War Memorial and residents reported hearing horn honking and loud music through the day. A giant music stage has been set up in front of Parliament Hill, while a hot tub and a bouncy castle have been spotted on Wellington Street.  CTV News Ottawa's Graham Richardson reported Saturday evening a DJ was allowed to drive his truck back into the area of Rideau and Sussex Drive.