They have been there for three long days, amid complaints from drivers. But now Toronto Police have finally moved in on Tamil demonstrators who have been occupying the busy intersection of University and Dundas.
At least 15 people were taken into custody and there were reportedly some violent scuffles as the authorities tried to get them out of the street. One woman was said to have been injured in the melee when she was trampled by a police horse.
For days, cops have refused to take any action against the protestors, who are trying to get U.S. and Canadian governments to intervene in the genocide in their native Sri Lanka, because the standoff was peaceful and no laws were being broken.
"This is Canada, it's a free and democratic society, and as long as no one is put at risk, no property is put at risk, I think as Canadians we are willing to put up with some inconvenience and I am willing to put up some of my resources at that location because that's part of the price that we pay for being a free society," said Police Chief Bill Blair.
Still, when the multitude tried to move onto Dundas St., cops ordered them back.
Some resisted and the police moved in.
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The remaining protestors were finally pushed back onto the sidewalk and TTC buses and traffic began to get through again on Dundas St. in the heart of rush hour.
But University from Dundas to Queen remains closed.
It appeared at one moment that more arrests were coming as heavily prepared police, many on horseback, swarmed onto the scene. But most of the protestors moved back and the tension eased.
Six of those taken into custody will be charged with breach of the peace. The other nine will face mischief accusations.
It's not clear if this means the end of the blockade. Many are vowing to remain outside the U.S. Consulate to get their voices heard and that means University will stay closed into the Thursday morning rush.
"It wears you down after a while, it just doesn't stop, it's relentless," said area resident Mike Brassard. "It's all you hear."
"It's tough enough driving in the city, to allow a protest like this is ridiculous," another complained.
Photos by Michael Talbot, CityNews.ca