Protesters gather in downtown Hamilton as police make arrests in Ottawa

A group Freedom Convoy"-inspired protesters gathered in downtown Hamilton Saturday.

Protesters could be seen waving red-and-white Canadian flags and carrying signs slamming Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on the sidewalk at the corner of Main Street West and Bay Street South, outside of city hall.

Police say there are an estimated 75 to 100 demonstrators. The protest began at 2 p.m. with five or six people.

A small convoy of 10 to 15 trucks - mostly pickups and SUVs - repeatedly circled the block around city hall Saturday afternoon honking horns, flags blowing in the wind.

The Hamilton protest comes as Ottawa police clash with demonstrators in the capital city.

Demonstrators have been occupying downtown streets, in particular the main artery in front of Parliament Hill, for about three weeks.

As of about 3 p.m. on Saturday, police in Ottawa had made 170 arrests, the Star reported.

The Saturday protest in Hamilton is peaceful" and not causing any traffic disruptions, police say.

Kate McCullough is an education reporter at The Spectator. kmccullough@thespec.com