Authorities had taken control of the Ottawa House of Representatives, which was at the center of protests, on Saturday.
- We have made great progress in removing the illegal protests today, said the incoming police chief Steve Bell at a press conference on Saturday night.
During the day, the Ottawa police wrote on Twitter that pepper spray will be used unless the protesters obey the police's order.
According to Steve Bell, the police "had a lot of patience, while the protesters were aggressive."
- We have had to use horses and this morning we decided to wear helmets and concrete.
On one occasion, we also used pepper spray when illegal protesters refused to obey police orders, Bell said.
"Will hold people accountable for occupying our streets"
53 vehicles have been towed away and 22 registration plates have been seized since last Friday.
47 people were arrested on Saturday, a total of 170 protesters were arrested, among them some of the leaders of the protest movement.
But for the protesters who have left the area voluntarily will not escape, says Steve Bell.
- If you are involved in this protest, we will actively identify you, locate you and follow up with fines and prosecutions.
This investigation will continue for months to come.
We will hold people accountable for occupying our streets.
At the end of the press conference, the acting police chief addresses the city's residents.
- We focus on your safety and go nowhere until you have your streets back.
We will move the protesters calmly from your areas, Bell said.
- It is not over yet and it will require more efforts before we reach our goal.
The protests, which call themselves the "Freedom Convoy", began in late January and started due to dissatisfaction with the country's covid restrictions.
Among other things, the requirement for a covid pass for truck drivers.