The Parliament Hill protest against government-imposed COVID-19 measures is entering its third full day, to the frustration of residents fed up with honking, blocked roads and reports of demonstrators urinating and defecating on lawns.
Because of this, the Ottawa Police Service are urging residents to stay out of the downtown area if possible.
It says the protest has been non-violent thus far, but officers have had to de-escalate confrontations.
Ottawa police have launched several criminal investigations, including into the desecration of monuments after protesters were shown dancing on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the National War Memorial.
The estimated cost of the massive policing effort is more than $800 thousand per day.
Several truckers have said they plan to stay parked until all their demands are met.
The website for Canada Unity, the primary group behind the truck convoy, suggests unmasked demonstrators are planning to go to malls in large groups to flout public health rules, throw loud block parties and pressure the media.
