Via Rail is issuing cancellations for the fourth day in a row on some of Ontario’s busiest routes as protestors are expected to continue blocking trains near Belleville, Ont. in support of the Wet’suwet’en nation in northern British Columbia.

At least 10 train lines running between Montreal and Toronto and between Ottawa and Toronto are impacted according to the latest alert sent out by Via Rail. Service on the affected routes will be closed through Monday, while select routes running between Montreal, Ottawa and Toronto are prepared to leave on schedule pending “line clearance.” Via Rail is asking passengers to check online for the latest updates on departures and arrivals.

“Due to circumstances beyond our control,” Via Rail says passengers should anticipate delays, as well as the possibility of more cancellations.

Cancellations started on Friday when protesters started blocking trains in response to the enforcement of an injunction in northwestern B.C. to begin construction of the Coastal GasLink pipeline through the Wet’suwet’en nation traditional territory near Houston.

Canadian National has since obtained a court injunction to remove protestors.

Have Your Say!

Protesters have been occupying the site of the proposed natural gas pipeline in B.C. since the provincial government and hereditary chiefs of the nation failed to reach an agreement on a peaceful resolution over the enforcement of the injunction.

On Saturday, RCMP officers arrested 11 people who allegedly barricaded themselves in a warming centre in a forested area near the work site in northwest British Columbia. They’re accused of breaching a court injunction.

Four others were arrested on Friday.

On Saturday, a Toronto rail line between Dupont Street and Geary Avenue near Dufferin Street was also blocked by about 100 protestors. Another protest in support of the nation is planned for 3 p.m. at Eglinton Park.

“Services continue to operate between Ottawa and Montreal, between Montreal and Quebec City, and west of Toronto in Southwestern Ontario,” Via Rail said.

Passengers with cancelled trips will be sent refunds automatically, they said.

Correction – Feb. 10, 2020: This article was edited from a previous version to update an incorrect headline.

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Miriam Lafontaine is a breaking news reporter, working out of the Star’s radio room in Toronto. Follow her on Twitter: @mirilafontaine

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