TRUCKS TO CONVERGE ON WELLINGTON

Prepare to see Wellington Street packed with Alberta-plated trucks and closed to traffic Tuesday and Wednesday as the United We Roll prooil protest convenes on Parliament Hill.

Ottawa police notified the public last week that Wellington Street would be closed between Kent and Elgin streets from 8 a.m. “until as late as after the afternoon rush hour both days.”

Organizer Jason Corbeil said demonstrations would be held on the lawn of Parliament between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Tuesday, and 11 a.m. and mid-afternoon Wednesday.

“Commuters should expect delays as alternate routes will be heavier than usual. Avoid travelling by car into the downtown core. Consider walking, biking or telecommuting, if you can. If you are travelling downtown, allow for additional travel time,” Ottawa police said.

OC Transpo and Para Transpo were also expecting delays in the downtown core because of the protest.

The East Region OPP warned motorists that the convoy “may periodically delay or interrupt the normal flow of traffic on area highways and arterial roads,” and said police were working with those involved “to minimize the impact on the travelling public and to ensure order and public safety.”

Trucks in the United We Roll convoy — which left Red Deer, Alta. on Feb. 14 — were scheduled to stay in Arnprior on Monday night before converging on Parliament Hill on Tuesday. Police said they were expecting trucks to come downtown from the east and west and from Gatineau.

Corbeil said they will be parked along Wellington Street, elsewhere nearby, if parking is available, and further afield, with protesters busing in. The United We Roll website lists the Holiday Inn Kanata on its convoy hotel guide.