FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PRESS RELEASE: Some concerns met with amended bylaw as committee caves to public pressure, community will continue to fight bylaw
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OTTAWA - Horizon Ottawa is condemning the response from the Ottawa Police and the inaction of Mayor Jim Watson over the dangerous, often violent incidents that took place and continue to take place as a result of the “Freedom Convoy” protests. According to social media and news accounts, there were dozens of violent incidents that occurred including: the homes of downtown residents being vandalized for having Pride flags, harassment of journalists, unhoused people and small business owners and the presence of hateful symbols like swastikas.
“Some of the things endured by downtown residents, especially those facing the most social and economic barriers, were absolutely reprehensible and never should have occurred.” Said Sam Hersh, Board Member of Horizon Ottawa. “Despite calls for immediate action from residents, next to nothing has been done to make our communities safe.”
Horizon Ottawa also put out a statement earlier this weekend, showing concern over local response to increase police presence. They also mentioned the response from police welcoming the convoy to Ottawa, seemingly not acknowledging significant elements of the far-right that exist within the convoy. The organization also brought up concerns over the difference in reaction that police have had with protests around police violence in recent years.
“It’s clear that the Ottawa Police are interested in protecting some communities but not others.” Said Hersh. “We know folks want to be safe, but if anything, this event has shown us that Police cannot and are not willing to do that. After this is all over, the City needs to take a long hard look at the role and future of police in our city.”
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For Media Inquiries:
Sam Hersh
613-663-7018
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
City Staff have released their Feasibility Assessment on the proposed Bubble By-law for review by council next month. The memo echoes some of our concerns about the by-law, including infringing on Charter rights and opening the city up to legal challenges. It sparked additional concerns for us at Horizon Ottawa and the Defend Dissent Coalition.
“Tewin” is a proposed development near the village of Carlsbad Springs. The developer and partial landowner for the site is Taggart, one of the city’s largest developers and a major donor in the 2022 municipal election.