Pedestrians on Wellington want barricades to stay, others say scrap 'em

As Lisa Craig strolled along Wellington Street Saturday, she embraced the calm, car-free atmosphere.

"I've enjoyed wandering quite safely with no cars out on the roads," said Craig, who was visiting the nation's capital from St. Catharines, Ont.

Barricades have kept vehicles off the street in front of Parliament Hillever since police cleared out the last of theFreedom Convoyprotesters in February 2022.

But in a few days, city council's transportation committeewilldiscuss whether to remove the barricades and reopen the areato vehicles.

"I understand people [who]live here might have a different perspective," Craig said."But it's made it quite enjoyable."

WATCH | Vehicles still banned from Ottawa's Wellington Street:

Ottawa debates future of Wellington Street after convoy protests

2 years ago

Duration 2:00

Barricades have kept vehicles off Wellington Street in front of Parliament Hill since last winters convoy protests. The city wants to remove them and reopen the street to drivers, but one MP wants it to remain closed and turned it into an urban public space.

Thursday's meeting will come after some MPs recently recommended the federal government take over ownership of Wellington.

"I don't like the way it looks right now it's a reminder of the convoy," Mayor Mark Sutcliffe said of the barricades last week, adding that he's eager to hash out a long-term plan for Wellington with the federal government.

But several pedestrians who spoke to CBC Ottawa Saturday say they're all for keeping motorized vehicles off Wellington.

A place of 'tranquillity'

"I just love the calmness, especially on my commute to work [in Gatineau] in the mornings,"said Mohsin Bhujwalla, who also cycles on the road.

"It's lovely to have that tranquillity and be able to not be distracted by noise pollution and fumes."

Local runnerChristiane Lalonde agreed the barriers should stay.

"It would maybe hopefully attract people and turn this street into a more high-[foot]-traffic area and bring a bit of life to the city."

Police have 'learned their lesson'

Paul Champ, the lawyer representing downtown residents in their class-action lawsuit against convoy participants, agreed with Sutcliffe that if the goal is to prevent another large-scale protest,the barricades are no longer needed.

"I'm not worried in the least about ... trucks possibly trying to come back," he said.

"I thinkpolice have learned their lesson, and all the public authorities have learned their lesson as well asthe protesters themselves."

CBC asked the Ottawa Police Service on Saturday if they are planning any security measures around the area as the one-year anniversary of the protest nears butdid not immediately hear back.

Business group worried

Kevin McHale, the executive director of the Sparks Street Business Improvement Area, said he also wants the barriers gone.

Like Champ, McHale said he's confidentthe police would quash any copycat convoys. Hepointedto how officers handled disruptions duringlast spring's Rolling Thunder motorcycle rally.

Officers didn't use barricades but tactical teams moved in swiftly and quickly usedtow trucksto remove prohibited vehicles.

"The techniques are there in order to make sure it doesn't happen again," McHalesaid.

As for Wellington Street's future, McHalesaid he's worriedabout the impact on downtown traffic flow and tourism should vehicles be banned from the area for good.

"What we saw this summer was avery empty, barren space that ended up just being occupied bya few lone protesters of all kinds of different causes and government vehicles racing back and forth," he said.

Ayesha Madura, who was also out on Wellington Saturday, was mixed on the issue.

She said it's easier to ride her bike to work, but conceded driving into Ottawa from Gatineauhas become"tricky" now that motorists can't ride through Wellington.

"Rather than going straight to the ByWard Market, I have to loop around," she said. "Which is kind of inconvenient."