Weekend convoy protest wraps up in Uptown Waterloo

At least 200 people gathered at Waterloo Town Square on Sunday for the second time this weekend to protest COVID-19-related laws.

It also included a convoy protest of more than a dozen vehicles circling the area.

A similar protest was held on Saturday. The local effort is part of province-wide demonstrations, known as 'Freedom Convoys', in Toronto and Ottawa, which have continued for more than a week.

"All we're here for is freedom. We don't care about anything else. Your choice is your choice," said Anne Soppelsa.She said she was in Ottawa to support the trucker convoy last weekend and plans to return this upcoming Friday.

"All these mandates have to be lifted. That's what everyone's fighting for," said Constance Walker. "Open up business. Wear a mask if you want. Don't wear a mask if you want. Get [vaccinated] if you want. Don't get [vaccinated]. But regardless,we need our freedoms back."

"We're not hurting anybody. We are just kind of getting our voice out there and strength in numbers," she added.

The ice rink in Uptown Waterloo and area roads remained open on Sunday, even though they were closed on Saturday.

Counter-protesters

Across the street from the gathering on Sunday, were two people who were there to oppose the protest.

They held signs that read: 'Thank you frontline and essential workers', 'thank you healthcare workers' and 'I believe in science'.

Tatianna Bechal said even though they were few, their presence was important.

"I think it's really important for all the front-line essential workers that have been working this absolute nightmare this whole time, that they know that they're not alone and all of the work that they've done is very appreciated," said Bechal.

"This is nonsense," Bechal said referring to the convoy protest.

"This is not how we're going to be able to end things and dividing people more when it's the health-care workers that are actually having to deal with all the repercussions of mass gatherings like this, it's just going to put us back even further," Bechal added.

2 arrests

There was visible police and security presence nearby the protests this weekend.

Waterloo Regional Police confirmed to CBC K-W that two protesters were arrested on Saturday.

Police said they were "arrested inside Waterloo Square for trespassing after refusing demands by security to put on a mask/leave the premises." The protesters were charged and released at the scene; police confirmed.

Police Chief Bryan Larkin released a public statement on Friday that said the service has an operational plan to ensure the safety of the community during the protest.

"While the WRPS respects the democratic right to peaceful assembly and protest, we will not tolerate any acts, threats of violence and/or any unlawful behaviour that jeopardizes the safety of our community," Larkin said.

The regional chair and mayors of Kitchener, Cambridge and Waterloo also released a statement in support of police and community partners as they prepared for the protests and condemned hateful or racist behaviour.