Calgary police crack down on Beltline protesters downtown with injunction

Calgary police say they are enforcing a temporary injunction against demonstrators at the protests happening Saturday afternoon at Central Memorial Park.

The injunction will prohibit ongoing violations of existing bylaws and legislation. It will also reinforce and clarify enforcement authority.

Our partners @cityofcalgary have obtained an injunction in relation to prohibited actions during downtown protests. An enforcement plan is being created.#yyc https://t.co/RydS2pVzc8

— Calgary Police (@CalgaryPolice) March 18, 2022

There was a heavy police presence in and around the Beltline community with a number of roads blocked off by the afternoon.

Alberta sheriffs and bylaw officers were also on the scene.

Police say protesters took down tents at the park – the tents are usually used to sell merchandise. However, under the injunction, commercial activity such as having vendor tents is not allowed.

Police Chief Mark Neufeld says with the injunction now in place police and bylaw officers are authorized to arrest and use reasonable force against anyone not complying.

“(Those) marching in the protests (with) noise makers, horns, amplification devices, you can actually be arrested,” said Neufeld.

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Related Article: Calgary granted temporary injunction to address Beltline protests

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Police have promised more enforcement Saturday– and Chief Neufeld says there will be no march through the core.

“There will be no mobile protests and there will be nobody behaving that way down on the Beltline,” he said.

Those who support Beltline residents are calling for an end to the protests. They are also meeting Saturday.

The road has been cleared by officers and is now re-open to traffic. pic.twitter.com/Ai8mm5ZRZx

— Calgary Police (@CalgaryPolice) March 19, 2022

Roads were closed around the scene during the protests. The area has since reopened.