OTTAWA police chief Peter Sloly has resigned over his handling of protests against Canadian coronavirus restrictions that have paralysed the capital.

He felt compelled to do so “with a heavy heart,” he said on Tuesday, after parts of the city were occupied for 20 days.

“Since the onset of this demonstration, I have done everything possible to keep this city safe and put an end to this unprecedented and unforeseeable crisis,” Mr Sloly said.

“I am confident the Ottawa police service is now better positioned to end this occupation.”

The protests led by truckers as part of a so-called “freedom convoy” have polarised opinion, with many dismissing them as reactionary and led by the far right.

Organisers have denied the claims, however, and said that the nazi and other racist symbols brandished by a small minority were not welcome and did not represent their values.

The government invoked a state of emergency for the first time in half a century as police removed protesters who were blocking key border crossings with the United States.

Anger has grown over Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s restrictive coronavirus measures, which include mandatory vaccines for truck drivers and public-sector workers.

He has refused to engage with the protesters, prompting criticism from even within his own party.