February 11, 2022
An Alberta Court of Queen’s Bench Justice has granted the City of Edmonton a
temporary injunction that will help to address nuisance noise from vehicles that participate in protests against public health restrictions.
The injunction compels people who are organizers, participants or drivers involved in a protest convoy of vehicles or farm equipment to refrain from sounding vehicle horns, airhorns or other noise making devices from creating unnecessary noise within the City. The City sought this injunction after witnessing and hearing from residents and businesses about the effects of noise during protest convoys on January 29 and February 5. The City has reason to believe that another protest will occur on February 12.
“We fully support the right to peaceful protest,” said Mayor Amarjeet Sohi. “When that protest impacts nearby people and businesses to the degree that the well-being of individuals is compromised or a business cannot operate, we must take action. As a legal measure that prohibits certain behaviours or actions, an injunction was a reasonable step that allows the City to also support those Edmontonians who want to carry on with daily life. The people of Edmonton have been through so much over the last two years, this was one way we could stand up for their right to peace and quiet.”
The injunction is in effect immediately until March 4, 2022.
