Hwy 17 reopens after peaceful blockade

Highway 17 and Highway 17B at Garden River were closed to traffic by area police forces for a little more than one hour today to accomodate a one-hour protest against the harmonized sales tax.

By 2:15 p.m., all demonstrators had left the scene and both highways had re-opened.

The demonstration was peaceful with a circle dance, singing and speeches on the highway.

There were no arrests. Medical traffic was allowed through the blockades.

There were three blockades in the Garden River area.

Three City Police cruisers blocked the eastbound lane of Highway 17 near the City limit where the Sault Ste. Marie welcome sign is located.

Ontario Provincial Police and a cruiser from one of the area reserve police services blocked Highway 17B about 50 yards in from the main Highway 17.

A group of people then walked from the Garden River Community Centre to Highway 17B and occupied both lanes there.

A large City Police presence - about a dozen vehicles, was standing by at the Skylark Drive-in theatre.

Additional SooToday.com coverage of the blockage will be posted later today.