Police advise motorists to expect delays due to convoy

The Sault Ste. Marie Police Service is advising the public of potential traffic delays due to the expected arrival of a convoy in the evening hours on Thursday, Jan. 27, and the departure of the convoy in the morning hours on Friday, Jan. 28.

What's been dubbed the Freedom Convoy 2022 - consisting of hundreds of truckers protesting the federal government’s Jan. 15 vaccination mandate for cross-border truckers - is expected to roll into the Sault from Highway 17 North between 6 p.m and 7 p.m. Thursday.

Supporters will greet them at two confirmed locations – Flying J Travel Centre on Great Northern Road and The Husky on Trunk Road – and drive truckers desiring to take part in a potluck dinner and have overnight accommodation to what's now called the Soo Justice Centre on Glen Avenue in the city’s east end.

A rally in support of the truckers is planned for 6 p.m. Thursday at Second Line and Great Northern Road near Jiffy Lube.

“There will be a significant police presence in the area to monitor traffic flow and ensure public safety,” Sault Police said Wednesday.

“We are expecting a high volume of traffic to enter Sault Ste. Marie from Highway 17 North and expect delays to occur from that area to Great Northern Road, Second Line East, Black Road and Trunk Road on Jan. 27.”

“We advise members of the public to avoid non-essential travel in the area, if possible, in the evening hours to avoid delays.”

“In the morning hours on Jan. 28, we expect a high volume of traffic departing Sault Ste. Marie from Great Northern Road heading east departing Sault Ste. Marie via Trunk Road.”

“We advise members of the public to avoid non-essential travel in the area, if possible, in the morning hours to avoid delays,” Sault Police said.

It is not known how many trucks will be on the road, as participants are joining and leaving at locations along the convoy route.

Sault OPP will also be on hand.

“The OPP’s main concern is public safety of all involved and we will do what is operationally required to maintain that public safety. The public should expect delays as a result of the demonstration moving through the North East Region (along with higher than normal volumes of commercial vehicles). The OPP respects the right of everyone to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. The OPP role is public safety. Motorists can expect delays. We suggest avoiding travel routes that may be impacted. Please be patient and drive with safety in mind,” said the OPP in an email.

“The OPP also recognizes the rights of the general public, all road users, local residents and businesses to a safe environment.”