The objective of the audit was to assess whether the City of Ottawa’s response to the convoy protest was timely and effective in supporting police operations, supporting residents, and ensuring the continuity of City services, to the extent possible.
The audit examined the City’s actions leading up to, during, and post the convoy protest. More specifically, the audit focused on the approximately two-month period, starting in early January 2022, when the Freedom Convoy publicly announced their intention on converging in Ottawa, to when the Mayor lifted the state of emergency on February 24, 2022.
The convoy protest in January and February of 2022 converged in Ottawa. The City of Ottawa (City) had a responsibility to support the Ottawa Police Service (OPS) in their response to the event and manage the significant implications on the municipality and its residents. The audit assessed whether the City’s response was timely and effective in supporting police operations, supporting residents, and ensuring the continuity of City services, to the extent possible. The audit examined the City’s actions leading up to, during and post the convoy protest.
The City readily supported the OPS throughout the demonstration until the final enforcement action. Out of necessity, some City services were cancelled or delayed. However, many City departments adapted to the circumstances and adjusted, as needed, to continue to offer City services. Support for residents was made available through community partners. These services were however not adequately promoted.
We identified challenges that the City faced and areas for improvement that can help the City improve their response to emergencies of a similar nature in the future and provide more support for residents impacted.
