Regina – On April 1, the Regina Police Service posted a second update with regards to the upcoming Regina Rally Against the Carbon Tax, providing Queen City residents with some guidance so they can prepare for the convoy which will travel through the city on Thursday, April 4.
Here’s what the update said:
“The Regina Police Service is continuing to liaise with organizers of the Regina Rally Against the Carbon Tax, scheduled for this Thursday, April 4th, in Regina. The convoy is expected to pass through the city just after 10:30 a.m., April 4, 2019. It is difficult to predict the exact length of time it will take for the convoy to reach Evraz Place, since the number of participants is still growing.
“The convoy begins near Estevan on Thursday morning. The Regina Police Service is working with our law enforcement partners to assist in public safety from the convoy’s origin, of course, but the focus of our efforts will be on the city of Regina itself. To that end, please note the attached map which shows the planned convoy route into, and through, Regina.
“The description of the route is as follows:
- Enter Regina on Highway 33 (becomes Arcola Avenue);
- Proceed north-west toward city centre on Arcola Avenue;
- Cross Victoria Avenue and proceed west-bound on Saskatchewan Drive;
- Turn north onto Lewvan Drive, remaining in right-turning lane;
- Turn east into Evraz Place parking (11th Avenue into Evraz grounds).
“The rally will follow at Queensbury Centre, expected to conclude by 2:00 p.m. Dispersal of vehicles, after the rally, will happen more gradually, with most traffic likely to head south on Lewvan Drive.
“Members of the Regina Police Service Traffic Safety Unit, as well as other uniformed members, will be positioned along the convoy route, especially at major intersections to facilitate the flow of traffic. All motorists, pedestrians and cyclists are asked to follow the direction of officers, and exercise patience and cooperation. There will be traffic delays for any north-south travel while the convoy is moving through the downtown. Motorists are asked to plan ahead and choose a route that does not travel from north to south and vice-versa through downtown Regina, during the late morning hours; the Ring Road or “Lewvan Drive will offer open routes for north-south travel. The traffic safety plan does provide for emergency routes for first-responder vehicles (Police, Fire and EMS). In a medical emergency, residents should call 9-1-1 (as usual). If you have medical (or other) appointments and you have to cross the convoy route to get there, use Ring Road or Lewvan Drive.
“The role of the Regina Police Service is to ensure safety for all users of our roadways: motorists, pedestrians, cyclists, etc., while also ensuring that everyone’s rights are respected, including the rights of the protestors to protest the carbon tax. This has been organized as a lawful protest, with a permit granted for the “parade” of vehicles. We acknowledge that there will be traffic delays, but they will be for a short-term. Be patient and follow the directions of police officers. The Regina Police Service thanks the public for its cooperation and understanding.”
Regina Police Service had previously reqested that convoy participants place a sign indicating "CONVOY" in the lower part of their windshield so they don't get tickets from red light cameras. See further details on convoy signs here.
