Calgary police to continue monitoring Beltline protests
Posted Mar 1, 2022 3:04 pm.
As Alberta enters phase two of its path back to normal, many COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted, leading some to wonder if protests and counter-protests in Calgary’s Beltline will end.
Last week freedom protests and demonstrations broke out once more for businesses and residents of the Beltline with many residents concerned with the ongoing disruptions.
“So, this has been actually the focal point of a lot of the protests down in the Beltline that we’ve seen for now over two years,” said Calgary Police Chief Mark Neufeld.
“One would think logically that some of the protests would probably be abated because of the opening up of the province.”
Related article: Alberta lifts most remaining COVID-19 restrictions, including mask mandate
Neufeld says, while there’s been offensive signs and imagery, protestors haven’t crossed the line into the criminal aspect.
“If there’s somebody that commits a criminal offence, we’re prepared to deal with that forthwith,” he explained.
“I can tell you that members of the police service have been (at the protests) and they have been attentive to the types of signs and symbols and imagery as well as what’s being said in the presentations.”
Related Article: Beltline pandemic protests in Calgary pose threat to public safety: neighbourhood association
In the coming weeks, Neufeld says the Calgary Police Service will continue to monitor and respond as necessary.
