RCMP worried about protest safety due to upcoming snow event

Hundreds continue to protest the hike in the federal carbon price near Cochrane at the interchange of Hwy. 22 and the Trans-Canada Highway.

RCMP Cpl. Gina Slaney said their main goal during this demonstration is to ensure everyone stays safe.

"We are just asking that they stay in a safe location and stay off the highway. We don't want traffic flow to be impeded. It's a very busy quarter there. So we're just trying to ensure the safety of all motorists and the protesters, and of course the police as well."

Cochrane is currently under a Special Weather Statement and could see up to 30 cm of snow fall over the next few days, which is a concern said Slaney. 

"The snow will just make conditions more treacherous. We do know that section of the highway can be very bad, so we're hoping that this can be dealt with and cleared up prior to that snowfall hitting because we don't want to put anybody at risk."

There are no reported incidents since the protest began outside of Cochrane on Monday morning but there was an incident in another area in southern Alberta. 

"Yesterday afternoon, approximately 50 vehicles were at an approved protest site in the Crowsnest Pass region. En route to the protest site, five large farm tractors caused a multi-vehicle collision. They refused to stop for police when a traffic stop was attempted."

Slaney said no injuries were reported from that collision and they're currently investigating. 

"This incident serves as a reminder that protesting on a public highway is not safe"

"The Alberta RCMP respects and supports the rights of Canadians to peacefully and lawfully ­­gather and demonstrate as guaranteed under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms." said Slaney. 

Drivers in the area can expect delays during the protest along Hwy. 1.