Though initially, Sloly told reporters that it was hard to determine and that he couldn’t guess how many people were in each car, he did provide an estimate.
The chief stated numbers were as high as 18,000 and as low as 5,000.
Saturday, the most significant number of trucks and demonstrators and dangerous crowds appeared at night with alcohol and other stimulants, according to the chief.
The chief said crowds were much harder to manage even though numbers were down.
A reporter then asked Acting Deputy Chief Patricia Ferguson how many trucks have left Ottawa so far.
Ferguson responded that several hundred have left since the end of the demonstration Sunday.
“All options are on the table,” Sloly said during a press briefing Monday, not ruling out using force to remove protesters.
Negotiations between police and protest organizers have been ongoing for one week. Sloly explained efforts are complicated as there is not a single group of “cohesive” individuals organizing the demonstrations.
Since Friday, officers have been working 24 hour days in frigid temperatures, Sloly called the situation “dangerous” and “difficult.”
Police report no injuries, deaths or riots in connection to the demonstrations. Several neighboring police agencies are assisting officers in Ottawa.
“We want it to continue until it comes to a complete end,” Sloly said.
Negotiations continue between city officials and core organizers of the protests. The chief said there had been reports of people booking hotels, but he couldn’t specifically say how many people.
Sloly continued stating that he could see efforts being made to extend these demonstrations through the week, potentially into the following weekend.
“You had your moment, your 15 minutes, time to move on, give the city back to our residents. Go back to your community,” Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson said.
“Illegal behaviour will not be tolerated and will be fully investigated,” police said in a tweet. “We have investigative and evidence-gathering teams in place to support the management of the demonstration.”
Police are investigating damage done to the National War Memorial and the Terry Fox statue as well as “threatening, illegal intimidating” behavior towards police and city workers and damage to a city vehicle.
There has only been one arrest made in connection with the demonstrations so far, Ottawa Police Chief Peter Sloly said Monday.
City Councilor Diane Deans said police are working to de-escalate the demonstrations throughout the city.
“What the police are doing is de-escalating a situation and ensuring safety of the public,” she said during a media briefing Monday.
Deans said she expects the “violent protesters” will be fully prosecuted.
Effective tomorrow, officials are redeploying neighborhood resource teams and sending crime prevention officers back into their neighborhoods.
The redeployed authorities’ job is to provide direct support services to residents and business owners in and around the core.
Chief Sloly also mentioned in the next 24 hours they are creating a hotline to report any hateful and criminal incidents or assaults related to protests and demonstrations.
She said the city has “never seen the likes of this kind of civil disobedience” before.
Deans called out the “abhorrent behavior” during the protests.
“As abhorrent as the violence and racist acts have been in the city, they could be much worse,” Dean said.
Swastikas flags and other hate symbols were displayed during protests against vaccination mandates.
She also warned that these events have the potential to escalate.
While Dean understands the frustration residents have with COVID-19, she said she also understands “this is a very volatile situation.”
“The protests have been incredibly disruptive. Many residents have not slept for days. I want our residents to know I understand their frustration and we’re doing everything we can to bring this to an end peacefully,” said Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson.
“Please adjust your plans in the downtown core. If your children attend school in the downtown area, please check with them to see if the school is open tomorrow,” Ottawa police advised in a tweet.
President and CEO, Canadian Chamber of Commerce Perrin Beatty, also sent out a tweet urging protesters to return to their homes after millions of dollars of damages have been committed.
“The demonstrations in Ottawa are damaging local businesses, disrupting the lives of thousands of people, and costing taxpayers millions of dollars. Everyone has a right to express their views and the demonstrators have certainly been heard. Time to peacefully return home now,” Beatty said.
Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson, City Councilor Diane Deans, Chair of Ottawa Police Services Board, and Police Chief Peter Sloly, Chief are expected to attend.
The briefing will be livestreamed on the city YouTube.
“The concerns expressed by a few people gathered in Ottawa right now are not new, not surprising– are heard,” Trudeau said during a news conference Monday. “But are a continuation of what we’ve unfortunately seen in disinformation and misinformation online, conspiracy theorists, about microchips… about God knows what else that go with the tin-foil hats.”
Trudeau blamed COVID-19 for the ongoing supply chain issues, not vaccination policies.
“We are not going to focus on the protesters who don’t respect science,” Trudeau said.
He thanked the vast majority, 90 percent, of Canadian truckers who are fully vaccinated for continuing a “tough” job and keeping the economy moving.
“We have relied on you, and you can rely on us to continue to stand with you and allow you to do your jobs safely,” Trudeau said.
“We are a peaceful country that has helped protect nations across the globe from tyrannical governments who oppressed their people, and now it seems it is happening here,” organizers wrote. “We are taking our fight to the doorsteps of our Federal Government and demanding that they cease all mandates against its people.”
The donations will primarily cover the cost of fuel for truckers. Funds will also go towards food and lodging “to help ease the pressure of this arduous task.”
“Our current government is implementing rules and mandates that are destroying the foundation of our businesses, industries and livelihoods,” organizers wrote. “It’s our duty as Canadians to put an end to these mandates.”
As of Monday afternoon, the “Freedom Convoy 2022” page has raised $9,224,450.
Trudeau also encouraged others to get vaccinated and boosted against the coronavirus.
“Over the past few days, Canadians were shocked and frankly disgusted by the behavior displayed by some people protesting in our nation’s capitol,” Trudeau said during a news conference Monday.
Trudeau strongly condemned those who displayed Nazi symbolism, racist imagery and desecrated war memorials. The violence occurred as the “Freedom Convoy” moved into Ottawa over the weekend.
Trudeau repeatedly said he supports protesters who demonstrate peacefully but said he would not meet with the convoy as he does not support the hateful messages some display.
He also called on peaceful protesters who oppose the “hateful” behavior to be courageous and speak out.
Supporters gathered on bridges and along roads with flags and signs supporting the “Freedom Convoy.”
Protesters are opposing a new mandate requiring truckers to be fully vaccinated to enter Canada from the U.S. or follow strict testing and quarantine rules. The mandate took effect Jan. 15.
A similar mandate took effect Jan. 22 for truckers traveling from Canada into the United States.
In a press conference Monday, Trudeau said it “shouldn’t be a surprise” the U.S. and Canada have similar policies as both governments are following the same medical advice.
“I’m feeling fine – and I’ll continue to work remotely this week while following public health guidelines,” Trudeau said in a tweet. “Everyone, please get vaccinated and get boosted.”
Thursday, Trudeau announced he would be isolating for five days after learning he was exposed to COVID-19. He later told The Canadian Press one of his children had tested positive, according to the Associated Press.
The announcement follows days of anti-vaccine mandate protests in Canada’s capitol.
