Nova Scotia ‘Freedom Convoy’ protesters take over Halifax

Hundreds of protesters from across Nova Scotia took to downtown Halifax and south end streets on Saturday afternoon

CITYnews halifax \ Chris Stoodley

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Hundreds of “Freedom Convoy” protesters from across Nova Scotia made their way into downtown Halifax on Saturday afternoon calling for the end of COVID-19 pandemic mandates.

Protesters started making their way toward downtown Halifax in the early afternoon. At 12:15 p.m. on Feb. 12, Halifax Regional Police (HRP) tweeted that it was “starting to see traffic flow associated with protest events in various parts of the municipality.”

Various posters regarding “Freedom Convoy” protests have been circulating on social media including one called “Nova Scotia Freedom Convoy.” Organizers of the protest planned for demonstrators from several parts of the province to drive into Halifax’s downtown core.

The poster indicated that convoys would be departing from Port Hastings, Kingston and Yarmouth, adding that convoys should make their way into the Peace and Friendship Park in south end Halifax by 3 p.m.

Protesters gathered at Peace and Friendship park sing O’Canada ahead of rally scheduled for 3 o’clock. pic.twitter.com/XxW26xK2pp

— Dan Ahlstrand (@danahlstrand) February 12, 2022

Protesters started taking over the park before 3 p.m. ready to welcome the convoys. Many were carrying objects such as Canada and Nova Scotia flags as well as handmade signs, eventually singing “O Canada” ahead of the rally.

Roughly 100 counter-protesters also took to the park in attempts to stop the rally.

Eventually, groups on foot headed north up Barrington Street’s sidewalks. Around 3:15 p.m., people packed within Grand Parade in front of Halifax City Hall.

Some in the rally group getting a better view by standing on the cenotaph pic.twitter.com/sM0tqY4eCC

— Dan Ahlstrand (@danahlstrand) February 12, 2022

While many downtown Halifax streets remained open, HRP barricaded several side streets.

At least one business closed early ahead of the planned protests. The Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market shut down at 1 p.m. with plans for vendors to reopen with normal hours on Sunday.

The Nova Scotia Legislature on Hollis Street also closed ahead of the weekend protests, and it’s set to reopen to the public only once it’s deemed safe.

“We acknowledge that these events will cause inconvenience to businesses and residences,” HRP said in a statement on Feb. 11. “We are asking everyone who plans to attend to show consideration during an already challenging time. We will have police presence as required throughout the city and our officers will do their very best to keep traffic and streets flowing.”

In a news conference on Feb. 11, HRP also asked people to avoid “unnecessary travel” amid the planned protests, adding that everyone must make room for emergency vehicles.

On Feb. 12 around 3:30 p.m., HRP tweeted that people should avoid downtown Halifax if possible, reminding people adhere to provincial gathering limits. At the moment, Nova Scotia’s informal gathering limit is a maximum of 10 people — indoor and outdoor — without social distancing and masks.

Nova Scotia issued a directive on Feb. 4, banning protesters from blockading or disrupting traffic on any road, street or highway in the province. Anyone convicted under the new directive should receive a fine, including one ranging between $3,000 and $10,000 for individuals.

Trucker convoy protesters also made their way across Halifax last weekend on Feb. 6. More than a thousand people drove through the city honking their horns and waving flags during that demonstration.

With files from Dan Ahlstrand