Pipeline Protest on Seaway Bridge stops traffic

CORNWALL, Ontario – A group of protesters occupied the middle of the snow covered Seaway International Bridge on Friday, Feb. 7 between 2:41 p.m. and 4:26 p.m.

A few protestors stood, holding signs amid snowfall and temperatures of -12 Celsius with windchill on the North Bridge to Canadian Customs. A string of vehicles lingered behind them.

The protest stopped traffic in both directions and prompted a response from police.

“The north channel of the Seaway International Bridge has been closed to traffic. Police are in the area of Brookdale Ave. and Water St. to re-direct traffic. Please avoid the area,” read a CPS statement.

“The U.S. Custom and Border Protection and the Canadian Border Services Association, under the authorization of the Seaway International Bridge Corporation have advised that they have closed the Seaway International Bridges to all traffic in both north and south bound directions. We are told this is a result of a local protest regarding the B.C. pipeline issue. Only emergency traffic will be allowed and NO local traffic will be allowed to travel through at this time. There is a protest occurring at the four corners on Cornwall Island causing this disruption. It is unknown how long the protest will result in the bridges being closed. We will advise upon receipt of more information. Thank you,” read a Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Police statement.

A live feed of traffic on both bridges can be viewed here.