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Occupy Vancouver takes place today
Occupy Vancouver takes place todayBusinesses reassured they'll be protected by policeTanya Fletcher/Dan Burritt
Oct 15, 2011 08:24:20 AM
VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) - Police are reassuring Downtown Vancouver businesses as thousands are expected to take part in today's Occupy Vancouver protest.
VPD Constable Jana McGuinness says store owners can expect full support from officers.
"They do have valid concerns about this large gathering, and the impact it might have on their business and their employees coming to and from work," she says. "We're been letting them know that we're listening to their concerns, that they have a heightened awareness of this event, they've taken steps among businesses to inform staff of what is coming, and that it's unknown how big this event will get."
McGuinness adds they're encouraging constant communication during the rally.
"If someone were to come in and occupy their business, they need to let us know and we'll assist as quickly as they can. We don't want to get into too much speculation at this point about what will happen, but everything indicates this will be peaceful and lawful."
She explains they've recently been checking in with businesses in the area on a daily basis.
"We went out around the downtown core delivering a hand-out. We're also speaking with them everyday on email, and going through some of the key leaders in the community and the security industry to help us share updates."
Traffic tie-ups
Police are warning drivers that traffic could be affected by today's event. Cst. Jana McGuinness says offices are preparing for multiple marches, which could lead to rolling street closures.
"It is really good advice to be aware of what's happening, check-in with the news, be informed if you are coming into the downtown area. Some of the plans are not solidified just yet, so we'll respond as quickly as we can and certainly facilitate the flow of pedestrian and vehicle traffic as we can."
Leo Knight with Paladin Security says organizers have promised a peaceful protest.
"It's difficult to say what's going to happen. By all accounts, the signal coming from the organizers of this thing say it's going to be peaceful, and I hope it is. I hope they are true to their word. However, we all know some of these folks from groups like the Anti-Poverty Coalition that can certainly escalate things in short order."
Occupy protests are also planned for Victoria, Kelowna, Nanaimo and Nelson.
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發表於 2011-10-15 08:08
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