Another convoy descends on Edmonton to show local support for protesters in Ottawa

Blaring truck horns echo throughoutdowntown Edmonton for a second consecutive weekend, as at least 1,000 Albertansconverge to support an anti-vaccine-mandate convoy in Ottawa. Hundreds are still in Ottawa as the protest continues.

Several hundred people of all ages gathered on the Alberta Legislature Grounds, next to the Federal Building. A tent there was set up with a sound system that, at one point before speeches began,was playing an anti-COVID song.

But many otherdemonstrators some of whom are coming from the blockade in Coutts, Alta. set up on 109th Street. Traffic was clogged for blocks in both directions, while people cheered from the sidewalks,waving signs and flags.

Manysigns call for vaccine mandates to be lifted or suggested the government is taking away freedoms. Some flags read "Trump 2024," and one appeared to be a QAnon flag a Canadaflag with a large 'Q', a nod to the online conspiracy theory group.

The Edmonton Police Service estimatedabout1,000 to 2,000 people are in the city participating in the convoy, but "several hundred" more could arrive later Saturday afternoon, a spokesperson said.

Canada Unity, an anti-public-health-mandate group, organized anational convoy late last month to protest the federal vaccine policy that came into effect for truckers crossing the Canada-U.S. border a group of travellers previously exempt from pandemic entry requirements.

As of Jan. 15, Canadian truck driverswho are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19 must get a PCR test outside Canada within 72 hours of planned entry; get tested when they arrive; and then self-test on Day 8 of a mandatory 14-day quarantine period.

On Jan. 22, a similar policytook effect in the U.S. that stopsall unvaccinated and partially vaccinated non-U.S. travellers, including essential workers such as truckers, from coming into the country.

Combined, the policies stop Canadian truckers who are not fully immunized against COVID-19 from leaving the country for work though they are free to crossCanada's interprovincial borders.

Police said Friday the forcewas aware of the planned convoy and, with support from "municipal and provincial partners," wasallocating "crowd and traffic management resources" to protect public safety, while upholding peoples' right to peaceful demonstration while within city limits.

Mitigation of "disorderly conduct" may include warnings, tickets, arrests andevidence-gathering for ensuing investigations, police said in astatement.

Edmonton police warnthe convoy may result intraffic congestion on Anthony HendayDrive, Yellowhead Trail, Stony Plain Road, WhitemudDrive, Gateway Boulevard, Walterdale Hill, Queen Elizabeth Road and parts of downtown Edmonton until6 p.m. Saturday.

In anticipation of the convoy, the City of Edmonton said Friday that city hall is closed to the public until further notice.

On Saturday, Edmonton Mayor Amarjeet Sohi released a statement upholding people's right to peaceful protest, but denouncing the message of many participating in these convoys.

"One thing is becoming clear.This convoy is not about truckers or about freedom," said Sohi, adding that he has family and friends who work in the trucking industry who are vaccinated.

"This convoy does not reflect their values or the values of the vast majority of Edmontonians."

Some businessesimpacted by convoy last weekend

Last weekends convoy brought a lot of noise and traffic to Edmonton the latter of which hurt local businesses.

Business owners who contacted the Edmonton Downtown Business Association, an advocate for downtown businesses, reported revenue lossesof 60 to 90 per cent, with businesses located closer to the Legislature bearing the brunt, said executive director Puneeta McBryan.

"The sheer difficulty of customers and staff getting in and out was just really, really tough. And I don't think most of theprotesters had much interest in showing their proof of vaccination and wearing a mask," McBryan said.

"It's almost an impossibility to do business physically anywhere near the Legislature buildingwhen they're causing such massive traffic backlogs."

Given that, and how uncomfortable some employees were, many business owners will have to decide whether it's wise to open this weekend at all, she said.

Shaosi Wang, owner of Let's Grill Sushi & Izakaya, told CBC News Friday that he will open his restaurant, but expects revenue losses stemming from the convoy.

Delivery drivers may have a hard time accessing the restaurant,located near Jasper Avenue and 107th Street, but it will be enforcing provincial public health measures, Wang said.

"Once [customers] come into the restaurant, they need to wear masks."