Trucks block major intersection in Toronto as hundreds demonstrate against vaccine mandates

A major intersection in downtown Toronto is being blocked by trucks as hundreds of people demonstrate on Saturday against COVID-19 measures and vaccine mandates.

Trucks are parked in the middle of Bloor Street West and Avenue Road, an intersection just north of the University of Toronto and the Royal Ontario Museum.

Toronto police say they have arrested a man, 22, as part of the protest on the north side of Queen's Park. He has been charged with assault with a weapon, administering a noxious substance — which in this case was a smoke bomb — and public mischief.

Police said Peel Regional paramedics were slowed down at the intersection because of trucks and protesters.

"Vehicles and people must make room for emergency vehicles to pass through," police said in a tweet. "This is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. There are traffic delays across the city due to protests."

Protesters also gathered a couple of blocks away on the north lawn of Queen's Park, which is located at the back of the provincial legislature building. Flyers advertising a "convoy for freedom" against COVID-19 measures have circulated on social media.

A counter protest in support of hospital workers is being held on Saturday in the area of University Avenue and Gerrard Street West in front of Toronto General Hospital.

Toronto police have closed the southbound Don Valley Parkway at Richmond Street, which heads into the downtown core, and the eastbound Gardiner Expressway at Lake Shore Boulevard.

Police have closed other roads in the downtown area to most traffic to ensure access to hospitals near Queen's Park.

Earlier, protesters gathered in spots across Toronto, including at Yorkdale Shopping Centre near Highway 401, where a few trucks and dozens of vehicles stayed in the corner of a parking lot, waving Canadian flags and honking. 

Toronto officials have said they are hoping to avoid the kind of blockade seen for the past week in Ottawa, where demonstrators in trucks have occupied key areas of the downtown.

Toronto police Chief James Ramer said his force is looking to Ottawa and relying on "intelligence" from other police forces in forming its plans.

"Given the information that we've received, we feel these steps are appropriate," Ramer told a Friday news conference.

The police service has also sent extra officers to the core in an effort to keep the peace, should the situation devolve.