Ottawa, February 10: Toronto police have closed a roadway near Queen’s Park on Wednesday because of social media posts announcing possible demonstrations by large vehicles in the city.
The closure comes a few days after a large protest against public health measures meant to curb the spread of COVID-19 took place in the downtown core.
Queen’s Park Circle from College Street to Bloor Street was still closed as of Wednesday night as of 10 p.m., according to Const. David Hopkinson, spokesperson for the Toronto Police Service. Foot traffic is allowed.
Insp. Michael Williams told reporters on Wednesday afternoon that police developed a plan over the last several days that makes public safety a priority and limits disruptions to the city.
“Part of that planning includes our ability to scale our operations up or down as needed,” he said.
“Out of an abundance of caution, the service made the operational decision this morning to secure the area surrounding Queen’s Park and close Queen’s Park Circle,” he added.
Police will maintain a highly visible uniformed presence in the downtown core and will implement additional closures if necessary, he said. Police are committed to securing major intersections and infrastructure, including Hospital Row, in Toronto, he said.
“We don’t want to see people shaking police cars, and inching big trucks up towards our members. We’re certainly not looking for any type of confrontation, but we certainly do have plans in place if there is criminality.”
He said police services across Ontario are sharing information on what they have been seeing in terms of protests.
On Twitter, police added in a post: “Keeping emergency routes clear and protecting key infrastructure is a priority for officers … Please avoid the area unless absolutely necessary.”
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