In anticipation of a day of native protest that could target rail and highway lands, Via Rail is shutting down service Friday on its Toronto-Montreal and Toronto-Ottawa routes.
Via Rail estimates about 5,000 travellers will be affected by the cancellations at the start of Canada Day weekend.
On Thursday night, armed Mohawk protesters began setting up blockades in Ontario, after gathering in a camp near Kingston.
Via issued a news release earlier saying the company was taking preventive measures:
"Additionally, due to the uncertainty of the situation and anticipated location of a blockage, VIA's late evening and early morning trains between Toronto and Kingston have also been affected as follows:
- Train 650 - Toronto to Kingston departing June 28 at 10 p.m. - Replaced by bus
- Train 651 - Kingston to Toronto departing June 29 at 05:25 a.m. - Cancelled."
As well, passengers arriving in Montreal on June 29th on board VIA train No.15 from Halifax with connections to Ontario (Cornwall, Brockville, Kingston, Belleville, Toronto) will be accommodated by chartered motor coach."
A spokesperson for Via Rail has confirmed passengers will either receive refunds or exchanges for their tickets in light of the company's decision to suddenly halt service Friday.
Catherine Kaloutski, media and communications senior manager for Via Rail, said she is anticipating service to be back to normal by Saturday morning, and the company will help with alternate arrangements.
"This was done with a great deal of consideration and we do regret the inconvenience and disruption it will cause to our passengers, particularly on a holiday weekend," Kaloutski told 麻豆影视net on Thursday.
"The decision was not made very lightly and made in consideration of the uncertainty of the situation, the potential risks and the potential magnitude the National Day of Action could enfold into," Kaloutski said. "We wanted to know if our passengers were travelling with us we would be able to get them safely to their final destination and there just wasn't that kind of security for us with what we know is anticipated for tomorrow."
OPP make plans
Ontario Provincial Police Commissioner Julian Fantino said police are bracing themselves for a day of wide distruptions - both on rail and highways.
"I've met with a number of Aboriginal leaders across the province and National Chief Fontaine as well, and they're all promising a peaceful day," Fantino told CTV's Mike Duffy Live.
"Of course, we do hear the rhetoric as well in some quarters but I want to make it clear that this is not, I believe, the theme that has gone out from the leadership of Aboriginal communities everywhere and the leaders I've spoken with."
OPP will be out on the roads, giving motorists information on alternate routes if there are blockages. Fantino said police will be on hand to keep the peace and the public and officers safe.
If there is any lawlessness, police are prepared to take a "measured response," he added.
Fantino also responded to statements made by Mohawk protester Shawn Brant, a hard-liner who suggested to The Canadian Press that he and others will be carrying weapons to defend themselves.
"The only lawful authorized force that should carry firearms and use firearms is not Mr. Brant or his followers, it's the law enforcement officers," he said.
"Mr. Brant had better realize that because no matter what he thinks, at the end of the day, there will be consequences and they will be severe. And hopefully they will be those that will deter others like him from this kind of anarchy."
With files from the Canadian Press
