Surrey border entry clears after anti-COVID mandates convoy blocked access
Posted February 19, 2022 10:15 am.
Last Updated February 20, 2022 3:31 pm.
For the second weekend in a row, demonstrations against B.C.’s COVID-19 public health measures prompted the RCMP to block access to the Pacific Highway border crossing. After most protesters left Saturday evening, roads reopened.
This weekend, the so-called “Freedom Convoys” travelled from Vancouver along Highway 1 east and Chilliwack along Highway 1 west into Surrey. Preemptively and for the safety of the public and officers, Mounties closed all traffic from 176 Street from 8th Avenue.
Pac-Hwy border closed and completely blocked off, seems to be some civilian traffic attempting to make it through. @CityNewsVAN pic.twitter.com/iHWZViaVkV
— Michael Williams (@1130Williams) February 19, 2022
Mounties say the majority of protesters cleared out around 8 p.m. but a small group is still in the area.
“Traffic is now moving on 176 Street in all directions and the public can access the border crossing. Vehicle road checks will remain in place,” a statement from police adds.
A large police presence will continue to be in the area Saturday evening “with a continual assessment of the situation.”
“Our work here is not done though, and the public can expect a continued police presence in the days and nights ahead,” Sgt Elenore Sturko said.
Last Saturday, demonstrators travelled arrived in Surrey. The next day, a live camera at the border showed some demonstrators walking with Mounties in handcuffs towards a police car.
The Surrey RCMP said four people at Surrey’s Pacific Highway Border Crossing were taken into custody for “mischief.”
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Mounties have said they respect people’s right to protest, but enforcement will be used if anything becomes illegal.
After Mounties saw members of the media were swarmed by protesters border crossing, RCMP said it is investigating.
The Mounties say they are aware of several alleged incidents involving a group of aggressive protesters who surrounded journalists.
They say in a statement police intervened and ensured media had safe passage to their vehicles.
Sturko says while it is not always safe for officers to take immediate enforcement action due to the size of the crowd, the incidents will be fully investigated and could lead to subsequent arrests or charges.
“These kinds of acts of aggression and intimidation towards media, or any member of the public, are simply unacceptable,” Sturko said.
Anyone trying to cross the border is being advised to use an alternate crossing.
Videos posted to social media show trucks gathering in different communities preparing to make the trip to the Lower Mainland.
— Michael Williams (@1130Williams) February 19, 2022
The Tsawwassen Mills ferry terminal may be the destination for another convoy.
Delta Police told CityNews they’re aware of some vehicles donning Canadian flags making their way down Highway 17.
They say they have extra officers on the scene to watch the situation.
A protest is also meant to take place near the PNE, and throughout the Okanagan.
– With files from Monika Gul and The Canadian Press
