OPP make wave of arrests related to McKenzie Meadows protest: Self-titled land defenders call for end to criminalization

By Haldimand Press Staff

CALEDONIA—The number of arrests made in conjunction to the McKenzie Meadows protest has more than doubled since the first nine arrests were made on August 5, 2020.

As of September 4, eight additional arrests had occurred. While the initial arrests were all at the McKenzie Meadows site, now renamed 1492 Land Back Lane by the self-titled land defenders, the later arrests were made off that site and were “in relation to disobeying an order of court, mischief, and other applicable offences,” said Media Relations Officer Rod LeClair. As of press time, LeClair confirmed a total of 20 arrests had been made in relation to activities surrounding the McKenzie Meadows protest.

According to online reports, at least one arrest took place as far away as London after the man had attended McKenzie Meadows over the weekend. When asked why police were waiting for visitors to leave before making arrests, LeClair said he could not speak to “operational information.”