Truckers warned to prepare for long weekend highway disruptions

OTTAWA — While many Canadians will be celebrating Canada this long weekend, First Nation groups are preparing to kick-off the holiday with cross-country demonstrations, marches, and protests.

Tomorrow, Friday, June 29 has been designated the National Day of Action to raise awareness and protest age-old land disputes between natives and Ottawa.

It’s rather unclear just what form the demonstrations will take, and how they could impact transportation and travel. Many First Nation leaders insist the day will be peaceful, but other, more militant members, are warning Canadian through the media to expect disruptions.

There are scheduled events in Vancouver, Edmonton, Regina, and Winnipeg, as well as many parts of Ontario.

The Ontario Provincial police and the Ontario Trucking Association say interruptions to the normal flow of traffic in different areas of the province are possible — especially in Eastern Ontario, on Hwy 401 between Toronto and Montreal.

According to the OPP, First Nation persons in the Tyendinaga/Shannonville/Deseronto area of the 401 have publicly stated that they will close the 401 starting at midnight of the 29th of June.

“It is hoped that this will not happen as this type of action endangers the safety of users of the highway, the protestors themselves, and all emergency services workers involved,” OPP said in a statement. “However, should the protestors be successful, OPP will be faced with the daunting task of trying to keep traffic moving.”

Carriers are being encouraged to consider the following alternatives to the Belleville-Napanee 401 corridor:

Eastbound Toronto to Montreal: 401 to 115/35, Northbound to Peterborough, Hwy. #7 Eastbound to Ottawa, then #417 Eastbound to Montreal. Or Westbound Toronto from Montreal: #417 Westbound to Ottawa, Hwy. #7 Westbound to Peterborough, 115/35 Southbound to 401.

OPP advises against using the Old Provincial Highway 2 in the Belleville-Napanee area as a viable route should the 401 be closed, as it traverses directly through Tyendinaga First Nations territory.

The police are advising carriers monitor the website www.crimealerts.net for continuous accurate updates on the situation.

Road status information will also be available through the Ministry of Transportation at www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/traveller or by calling 1-800-268-4686 or 416-235-4686.