In spite of an influx of more than 1,500 people from across southern Ontario, Aylmer Police say, from their point of view, Saturday’s Freedom Rally went off fairly smoothly, explains Insp. Nick Novacich. The town had not approved the rally and so the priority was to maintain peace and keep traffic moving along the roadway through town. There were, however, a couple of what Novacich calls “hiccups.”
Novacich says they are still investigating. He adds there was another incident with a group of protesters banging on the doors and windows at the Tim Hortons outlet. Officers quickly sent them on their way.
There were several charges under the Highway Traffic Act issued during the rally. Novacich says they were related to operating vehicles in an unsafe manner.
Aylmer Mayor Mary French had declared a State of Emergency at the beginning of the week, which made it possible for police to seek more resources if needed. Emergency Orders further protect town staff and elected officials from litigious situations that may arise as a result of the emergency.
Overall, adds Novacich, the fact police had “a good plan in place” resulted in no major incidents over the course of the afternoon. Elgin OPP officers were on hand to deal with traffic control along the busy roadway, including detours while the marchers proceeded downtown.
