Regina residents may be aware of an upcoming convoy and rally to protest the federal government’s carbon tax. People in our city, regardless of their opinions about law and government policies affecting the energy sector, may be impacted by this event as it will affect vehicle and pedestrian movement, especially in downtown Regina, for part of the morning of Thursday, April 4th.
The protest involves a large convoy of trucks, commercial vehicles and some private vehicles, which will stage early Thursday morning in Estevan and then make its way to Regina, ending with a rally at Evraz Place. It’s expected the convoy and rally will draw hundreds of participants. It is important to remember that every citizen has the right to peaceful protest. The Regina Police Service has been working co-operatively with the organizers who have applied for, and been granted, a permit for this event in Regina. Our role is public safety and upholding the rights of all. This convoy and rally, like any other large gathering, has potential to present some traffic issues. To that end, the Regina Police Service Traffic Safety Unit has developed an operational plan to help move the convoy vehicles through the city, to Evraz Place, as efficiently as possible.
We ask Regina residents to make note of the date: Thursday, April 4th. The convoy route through the city has been agreed-upon and the plan is being communicated to participants. The Regina Police Service will publish route maps on Monday and will offer more information in the days leading up to April 4th. This information will include details, as they are finalized, as well as some strategies to motorists, pedestrians, and all others who may be affected by a large volume of traffic moving through our city that day. We have a plan for April 4th, and we ask that Regina residents and visitors to our city do their parts to help us carry out that plan smoothly and successfully.