James Topp, a veteran of the Canadian Forces, is walking through Ottawa today, in the final stage of his journey across the country to protest COVID-19 vaccine mandates.

Topp's arrival comes as Ottawa prepares to host the first Canada Day events in three years, with the city bracing for potential protests over the weekend and into the summer.

Hundreds of people gathered, including Canadian People's Party leader Maxime Bernier, on Robertson Road in the west end to greet Topp, who began the walk to Parliament Hill.

Supporters were waving Canadian flags and holding signs supporting Topp and protesting mandates. Conservative leadership candidate Pierre Poilievre walked with Topp for two kilometers along Baseline Road after 12 p.m.

Poilievre told Topp, "I always support freedom of choice and believe people should have the ability to make decisions on these matters themselves."

Topp is scheduled to arrive at Hog's Back Park at 1:30 p.m.

He finishes his march at 6 p.m. According to Canada Marches, Topp is walking for three reasons: to protest the federal government's COVID-19 vaccine mandates, to support Canadians who were denied access to jobs and services or who lost income due to the mandates, and on behalf of those who were pressured to take the vaccine."

We rise to serve Canadians with honesty, respect, and compassion, for the purpose of uniting our people.

And we do so with the goal of ensuring our government supports laws that uphold the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms," the Canada Marches website says.

Topp said a number of groups formed from the Freedom Convoy to protest the federal government.

Topp said, "What I would like to see with the creation of C3 - the Canadian Citizens Coalition - is that we have more conversations about the way forward, and the future."

The Department of National Defence has charged Topp, a Canadian Armed Forces veteran, after he spoke publicly against the federal vaccine mandates while wearing his uniform.

Topp was charged with two counts related to conduct to the prejudice of good order and discipline.

Ottawa Police said earlier this week they are working with Topp and the Canada Marches group to facilitate his safe transition into downtown Ottawa.

Interim Chief Bill said Monday, "We have been in contact with Mr. Topp and his group and have plans to ensure his ability to move safely and lawfully from the west end of the city to Parliament buildings."

Topp arrives as police tighten security in the parliamentary precinct and downtown Ottawa in preparation for potential protests on Canada Day.

Officers on bikes and on foot were patrolling an area designed to prevent vehicles from participating in protest gatherings by driving near Parliament Hill.

"Freedom" groups plan to hold a series of events and protests in Ottawa on Canada Day.

Prime Minister Doug Ford also called on anyone participating in protests in Ottawa to obey the law.