More delays expected on Highway 1 west of Calgary Tuesday
Posted April 2, 2024 9:32 am.
Drivers travelling on Highway 1 west of Calgary could see delays once again Tuesday.
In a statement, Cochrane RCMP are advising motorists to use caution on the road, warning of potential highway delays and redirection.
Significant delays were felt for much of the day Monday, due to a demonstration protesting the increase to the federal carbon tax which — along with Alberta’s provincial gas tax — went up on April 1.
Protesters started to gather at a Petro Canada gas station near the interchange of Highway 1 and Highway 22 around 8 a.m. Monday before moving down the route.
#Cochrane RCMP are advising motorists to use caution on Highway 1 west of Cochrane. There may be on going traffic delays throughout the day.
RCMP will provide updates as needed and thank the public for their cooperation pic.twitter.com/VUaZ1rvc76
— RCMP Alberta (@RCMPAlberta) April 2, 2024
RCMP eventually closed the highway and started to divert westbound traffic onto the Highway 22 off-ramp, before reopening the road at 6:30 p.m.
It is unclear what, if any, demonstrations are planned for the area Tuesday.
However, while on location on Monday, some protestors told CityNews of their intention to return for another rally the next day.
“I’m here because our country is falling apart and our government has been running us into the ground and it just needs to stop,” protester and military veteran Gary Lambert, who is from Innisfail, told The Canadian Press.
“It’s not just about ‘axe the tax.’ It’s about the freedoms. It’s about our right to free speech.”
The event, organized by a group called Nationwide Protest Against Carbon Tax, was just one of many taking place across the country Monday.
The federal carbon tax increased by 3.3 cents to 17.6 cents a litre, or 24 per cent. Alberta’s own provincial fuel tax also pushed the cost per litre from nine cents to 13 cents.
Lambert said he’s upset about both federal and provincial tax hikes.
“People gotta realize it’s not just the one tax,” he said.
Allan Hunter of Airdrie said he was also troubled by the double whammy.
“The Alberta gas tax increase is a bit hypocritical of the (United Conservative Party government), but the carbon tax isn’t just about the carbon going in your tank,” said Hunter.
“Everything you purchase, every one of these trucks going by, every one of these cars going by, everything we consume in this country is going up today.
“Thanks Justin, you just made things even less affordable for Canadians.”
For the latest on this developing story, including updates on traffic, listen to CityNews660.
-With files from The Canadian Press
