NORTH PORTAL - The Village of North Portal is making preparations for a planned protest in the area this weekend.
In a post on the village’s Facebook page issued Wednesday, the village says the protest is slated to take place within the municipality starting Friday, and the village expects it will involve 60-80 semi-trucks and up to 120 passenger vehicles. Land owners have granted permission to the event organizers to use private land located by Highway 39 for camping and gathering.
The duration of the event, named "South Bound & Down Convoy to North Portal" is unknown. A promotional graphic for the event has a semi-truck with the words "Mandate Freedom" on the front, with Canadian and American flags and a couple of pump jacks.
Village council has discussed the expected event with the Estevan RCMP. Council has also met to discuss the village’s policies and best practices. The council says its position during the event will be neutral.
The village said there will be an increased RCMP presence in the community this week. Police will be onsite 24 hours a day during the event. The RCMP will be monitoring traffic flow into the village from Highway 39 and the grid roads east of town.
Travellers can expect to be asked the purpose of their trip to North Portal during the duration of the event. Parking along Highway 39 will be strictly prohibited, the village said, and will be enforced by the RCMP.
The village will not be providing any public services to the event, such as water, lagoon use, garbage removal, public building rental or other regular village services. These utilities and services will be the responsibility of the event organizers.
A letter has been sent to all residents, advising them of these measures, and the information has also been posted at the village's post office.
A rally was held at the North Portal border crossing in late January, with both Canadians and Americans participating.
A protest last weekend at the Regway border crossing in south-central Saskatchewan did not result in a blockade.
