VPD says it's "aware" of anti-lockdown protests in Vancouver this weekend

The Vancouver Police Depart (VPD) said it’s “aware” of anti-lockdown protests that are scheduled to happen in Vancouver over the weekend.

On Saturday, October 17, and Sunday, October 18, BC Freedom Mega Rally 2020 is scheduled to take place in front of the Vancouver Art Gallery.

The event’s Facebook page says the two-day protest will run from 12 to 5 pm on Saturday and 12 to 4 pm on Sunday, with nearly a dozen guest speakers in attendance.

Event organizers say they will be gathering to express their disapproval over a number of topics ranging from lockdowns, mask and vaccine mandates, quarantines, travel bans, social distancing, and more.

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The UBC Students Against Bigotry group has since taken to social media, warning others that the protests will be “large far-right” rallies.

“We recommend avoiding downtown Vancouver for the entire weekend, if possible,” says the student organization. “Especially Saturday night.”

The organization also says that “supporters from as far away as Alberta and Saskatchewan are also travelling to attend.”

🚨🚨PUBLIC SAFETY WARNING🚨🚨

Large far-right rallies are scheduled to begin at the Vancouver Art Gallery at noon on both Saturday & Sunday. But we recommend avoiding downtown #Vancouver, BC for the entire weekend if possible (especially Saturday night).

Please share! #vanpoli pic.twitter.com/mrTLWaq6u0

— UBC Students Against Bigotry (@ubc_students) October 16, 2020

The VPD adds their “officers will be monitoring and will respond should anything arise.”