Regina’s 9th Avenue North, between Winnipeg and McDonald Streets, is open again to pedestrians, allowing for picketers in the Unifor/FCL labour dispute to picket nearer to the gates of the Co-op Refinery Complex. Business-specific traffic has been allowed to enter and exit that stretch of 9th Avenue North, but other vehicle traffic is still being diverted. The decision to restore access to pedestrians was made at approximately 9:00 p.m. on Friday, February 7, 2020.
The roadway was temporarily closed to all but business-related vehicles on Thursday night, February 6th, in order to facilitate removal of the illegal barricades erected at CRC gates. Police members are still positioned at 9th Ave. N./Winnipeg Street and 9th Ave. N./McDonald Street to limit the flow of vehicles into the area. Those wishing to set up peaceful, lawful picket lines are permitted to enter the area on foot, and are allowed to carry signs, flags, informational material and any foodstuffs they wish to carry. They are not permitted to enter with any materials that could be used to construct a barrier. Officers on duty at these locations have indicated that the transition has been uneventful.
It is anticipated the roadway will remain open in the current, limited state for the remainder of the weekend. The Regina Police Service thanks the public for their understanding and patience in this matter.
