Individuals occupying the rail tracks as a Wet’suwet’en solidarity near Bayview Junction in Hamilton have now peacefully left the site.

On February 24, 2020, at approximately 5:00 p.m. Hamilton Police responded to reports of a number of people gathered on the rail tracks near the Bayview Junction. At its height, there were about 30 people in the area.

Hamilton Police respect everyone’s right to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. The primary goal was to preserve peace and maintain a safe environment for everyone. Police used discretion to balance the right to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly while also upholding the law.

The protesters had been served with an injunction by CN Rail to leave the site late Monday evening. Hamilton Police established a dialogue with the protesters throughout the day and encouraged the protesters to abide by the injunction and peacefully leave the area.

The protesters packed up and left around 5:00 p.m.

The blockade resulted in cancellation of Metrolinx service at the West Harbour GO, Hamilton GO, St. Catharines GO and Niagara Falls GO stations, as well as affected CN and CP rail service. Hamilton Police would like to thank the public for their patience during the service disruption.

Hamilton Police continue to investigate the rail service disruption and encourage anyone with information to come forward to police at 905-546-3833. To provide information anonymously call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit your anonymous tips online at http://www.crimestoppershamilton.com