One protester was arrested and two others forcibly removed Tuesday during an early morning demonstration that failed to halt the city's chemical attack on mosquitoes.
The city had decided to halt the mosquito fogging program temporarily after protesters on the weekend blockaded trucks that spray malathion in neighbourhoods. Officials said they wanted to discuss the program and the health of Winnipeg's residents and workers.
Mayor Sam Katz said he had the support of the majority of Winnipeggers as he directed the program to resume. But about a dozen placard-waving protesters returned to the insect-control branch yards and sat, arms locked, in front of the gate in an attempt to stop the fogging trucks from leaving again.
"Several of the protesters voluntarily removed themselves but three had to be physically removed by police," Winnipeg police Constable Bob Johnson said.
A 42-year-old woman who scuffled with police was arrested and charged with mischief and causing a disturbance, he said. The other two protesters were handed citations.
The fogging, which the city has deemed necessary to help protect residents from the West Nile virus, proceeded behind schedule in several west-end Winnipeg neighbourhoods.
The protesters, who argue that malathion does not work and could pose a health risk, say they will continue their fight.
City officials say opponents, who have the option of having their homes passed over by fogging trucks, are grossly outnumbered by thousands of others who have flooded city hall phone lines demanding the program continue.
The Culex tarsalis mosquitoes that carry the West Nile virus are only now starting to hatch.
Constable Johnson said police are prepared for further protests and will act quickly to ensure fogging can continue.