Canada: Protests denouncing COVID-19 restrictions result in traffic disruptions in Surrey and Victoria, British Columbia, Feb. 19

Event

Protests denouncing COVID-19-related restrictions have resulted in transport disruptions in British Columbia's cities of Surrey and Victoria Feb. 19. Protesters have reportedly blocked the intersection of British Columbia Highway 15 (176th Street) and 8th Avenue in Surrey, prompting authorities to block access to the Pacific Highway border crossing; officials have closed Highway 15 to all traffic from 8th Avenue southward to the US border. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) is advising the public to use alternative border crossings until further notice.

In Victoria, protesters have gathered near the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, prompting traffic congestion and road closures in the downtown area.

In Vancouver, counterprotesters gathered at the Pacific National Exhibition (PNE) Forum in Hastings Park Feb. 19 to oppose anti-COVID-19-restrictions demonstrations. Rival groups of protesters met around the intersection of East Hastings Street and Renfrew Street; no violence was reported.

Heightened security measures are likely to remain in protest-affected areas over the coming hours. Lingering transport disruptions are likely in affected parts of Surrey and Victoria through at least late Feb. 19, with the former likely continuing to restrict access to the Pacific Highway border crossing. Clashes remain possible between police and protesters and between rival groups of demonstrators.

Context

The Feb. 19 demonstrations in British Columbia mark the continuation of weeks of protests denouncing COVID-19-related restrictions and vaccine mandates in Canada. The Canadian government has notably invoked the Emergencies Act to deal with related demonstrations across the country. The measure allows the federal government to regulate or prohibit certain kinds of public assemblies, travel, and the use of certain properties.

Advice

Avoid all protests as a standard precaution and to mitigate delays. Heed the instructions of security personnel. Do not attempt to pass through roadblocks; wait for authorities to clear the road. Reconfirm appointments. Confirm the status of routes before traveling in impacted locations. Consider taking alternative routes to circumvent disruptions.