Sault's International Bridge closed Thursday afternoon for water ceremony

SUDBURY -- Sault Ste. Marie's International Bridge is expected to be closed for over two hours Thursday afternoon for an Indigenous water ceremony.

Over 100 people participated in the event on the bridge that connects the twin cities over the St. Marys River.

The Ministry of Transportation says the closure begins at noon and is expected to end around 2:30 p.m.

This comes after demonstrators set up a blockade at the main entrance to the Ontario-side of the bridge on Monday in support of the Wet'suwet'en Hereditary Chiefs in B.C that are at the centre of a battle against a pipeline project.

Supporters have erected a teepee and have been occupying the bridge entrance saying they have no plans to leave.

Meanwhile, the back entrance to the bridge has been open to traffic allowing for border crossings.

More to come on this developing story...

#Closure #SaultSteMarie - International Bridge closed today from 12pm to 2:30 pm due to protest. #ONHwys

— 511ONNortheastern (@511ONNortheast) February 27, 2020

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  Group holds Indigenous water ceremony on Sault Ste. Marie's International Bridge Feb. 27/20 (Jairus Patterson/CTV Northern Ontario)

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  Group closes Sault Ste. Marie's International Bridge for a water ceremony Feb. 27/20. (Jairus Patterson/CTV Northern Ontario)

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  Sault Ste. Marie's International Bridge is expected to be closed from 12 to 2:30 p.m. Thursday for a protest. Feb. 27/20 (Jairus Patterson/CTV Northern Ontario)