'Peaceful and respectful is the way we do things here': Toronto prepares for convoy of protesters

Toronto police have said they are prepared to "ensure public safety" and "limit disruption to the city and its residents as much as possible," ahead of the planned convoy of protesters expected to demonstrate in Toronto this weekend.

"Road closures have already begun and will be in effect to eliminate potential disruption to patients and healthcare workers who need access to hospitals," police chief James Ramer said Friday. "Anyone who attempts to disrupt hospital access and routes of emergency operations…will be subject to strict enforcement."

"We are going to strongly encourage areas where people can stage vehicles where they will cause minimal disruption and if their intention is to demonstrate, then they can travel by foot or public transit to Queen's Park and they can demonstrate in person."

Chief Ramer also stated that the intention is that these areas will not be used for people to "encamp" or "stay permanently for any duration of time."

Staff superintendent Lauren Pogue confirmed that a greater number of officers have been deployed to the downtown area of Toronto, road closures are in place for University Ave. and College St., parking restrictions have been put in place surrounding University Ave., additional CCTV cameras have been installed and police have been directed to have body-worn cameras on this weekend.

"If anyone is planning to come here for a protest that is not peaceful and that is not respectful, I would urge, on behalf of all Toronto residents and businesses, to please stay home," Toronto Mayor John Tory said on Friday. "Peaceful and respectful is the way we do things here."

Police chief Ramer confirmed Toronto police are engaged with partners across the province, examining social media and all intelligence available, and will respond accordingly.