Another convoy planned from North Okanagan to Osoyoos Saturday

Photo: Casey Richardson

A convoy of vehicles rolls through Penticton Jan. 29.

As the group of protesters gear up for a second weekend in Ottawa, and others make their way to Vancouver, Toronto and Quebec City, another convoy of vehicles is scheduled to drive to the Osoyoos border Saturday.

The organized “Freedom Convoy” is scheduled to depart from the Vernon weigh scales at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, heading south on Highway 97. The convoy is expected to pass through Kelowna at about 11:30 a.m., before continuing south through Peachland, past Penticton's Gyro Park, Kaleden, Oliver and into Osoyoos at 3:30 p.m.

Those involved are planning on setting up outside Osoyoos City Hall with a PA system and BBQs, while others may congregate near the United States border crossing.

The convoy and subsequent rally on Parliament Hill in Ottawa was sparked in opposition to the government's requirement that truckers entering Canada from the United States be vaccinated for COVID-19. But it has since grown to include opposition to all COVID-19 health measures, in addition to general opposition to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

“Join this peaceful movement for the convoy or at any stop along the way and support our truckers in Ottawa,” the Okanagan freedom convoy Facebook event page states. “Let’s stand together for our FREEDOM!”

Cpl. Tammy Lobb of the Kelowna RCMP said they are aware of Saturday's planned convoy, and "traffic disruptions may occur as a result."

Last weekend, a similar convoy travelled from the North Okanagan down to Osoyoos, passing through several local towns on the way through.

The weekly protest in Kelowna's Stuart Park was bolstered Saturday by vehicles driving past the park, waving Canadian flags and “F*ck Trudeau” signs, while honking their horns throughout downtown.

A similar scene occurred near downtown Penticton's Gyro Park last Saturday, when the convoy of vehicles passed through.

While vehicles drove around downtown Kelowna for hours honking their horns, and officers were on scene at the protest, Kelowna RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Tammy Lobb said there were no incidents at the protest that required their involvement.