Residents have had enough of a noisy Sunday protest that has been ongoing for over four years in Mississauga.
Originally dubbed the “Mississauga Freedom Rally,” the protesters have set up at Hurontario Street and Burnhamthorpe Road every Sunday afternoon since early 2022.
People living in the densely populated community have sent a petition to the City of Mississauga asking for help to quiet the protest, which often involves “excessive noise.”
The petitioners say they respect the right to a peaceful protest and the freedom of expression, but the amplified music, megaphones and vehicle honking has increased stress and means residents cannot enjoy quiet time in their homes every Sunday.
“Many residents in the area are seniors who are particularly affected by the prolonged noise,” the petition reads.
The protest also causes traffic hazards.
“The intersection of Hurontario Street and Burhamthorpe Road is one of the busiest in Mississauga,” the petition reads. “Activities such as large signs near traffic signals, inflatable structures, and demonstrators approaching vehicles may contribute to driver distraction and unpredictable traffic behaviour.”
The petition asks the city enforce noise and traffic bylaws.
Several posts on Reddit have asked for community support to address the protests.
One resident said they have contacted the city many times, but nothing has changed.
“For people living nearby, it means losing any peace and quiet for a huge chunk of every Sunday. In my case, I now have a newborn at home, so the constant amplified noise is even more disruptive,” the resident said on Reddit. “At this point, it feels like nearby residents are being held hostage by a group that has decided their right to dominate a public intersection every Sunday matters more than anyone else’s ability to live peacefully in their own homes.”
Some wonder what the protest is even about now.
“Flat earth, fluoride in the water, Mayan apocalypse, Skynet… so many things to gripe about to the entire world,”one person wrote. “Same passionate and directionless crowd has been distracting drivers through busy intersection for years.”
While others suggest the protesters are “harmless” and the Sunday disruption is something they have learned to live with.
The petition will come to the City of Mississauga council meeting on April 1. See more here.
Lead photo: YouTube screen shot
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