Rally planned after environmental protests cause road closures downtown

Environmental protests briefly shut down some of the busiest streets in Saskatoon’s downtown core Wednesday morning.

Members of the Wet’suet’en First Nation from B.C. protested in the streets outside the Bessborough Hotel, where the RBC Annual and Special Meeting of Common Shareholders is taking place this week. According to hereditary Chief Na’Moks, RBC has spent billions on major fossil fuel projects, including a pipeline that runs through Wet’suet’en territory.

While the protest was brief, drumming could be heard from blocks away.

According to police, road closures and traffic disruptions occurred on Spadina Crescent East between 20th Street East and 22nd Street East. Also affected was 21st Street East between Fourth Avenue South and Spadina Crescent East. A visible police presence was in place to help protect public safety, police added.

While the initial protest has ended, organizers said a further rally is planned, which will begin at 11:30 a.m.

More to come.