Delta police says it recognizes the public’s right to peaceful protest as a fundamental democratic freedom, however, actions disrupting critical infrastructure or impeding traffic constitutes unlawful assembly and are subject to legal consequences.
In a news release Friday, the Delta Police Department (DPD) note that shortly before 8:30 a.m. today, the police were notified of a group of demonstrators blocking Deltaport Way, impacting traffic and port operations.
Officers responded and engaged with the demonstrators, encouraging them to relocate to a safe area where they could continue their protest lawfully.
By 10:20 a.m., outbound traffic from the port was restored, followed by the reopening of inbound traffic at 10:55 a.m.
Deltaport Way was fully opened by 11:30 a.m.
The DPD note that for clarity, a peaceful protest includes activities such marching or gathering in public spaces without obstructing others, or expressing views through signage, speeches or other lawful means.
A demonstration becomes unlawful when it blocks roadways or access points to public or private infrastructure, or demonstrators engage in activities that endanger public safety or interfere with others' rights.
“Today’s demonstrators were given notice of these terms and vacated the roadway. The DPD remains committed to facilitating lawful demonstrations while ensuring public safety and maintaining the free flow of traffic,” the release states.
