Occupy London, ON, was given an eviction order for 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2011, which has already passed and all is calm at Victoria Park where Occupy London is located. Earlier in the evening, reports indicated that 600 people had arrived at Victoria Park to defend the site, including labour activist and OFL president Sid Ryan. At 11:30 p.m., the numbers rest at roughly 100.

UPDATE: At the 11:30 p.m. EST time of publishing, there were no reports of police at the site. The police moved in to evict the site at 12:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2011 and barred any new tents from going up. London Mayor Joe Fontana also said that the public had to leave the park by 10:00 p.m. each night to prevent any form of overnight camping.

According to an Occupy London resident, there were “about 45 tents, probably a regular 25-30 sleepers and then during general assemblies or marches we have about 150-200 people. Around 50 right now (at 3:30 p.m. November 8, 2011).”

Let me give you some background. On Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2011, the mayor of London, Ontario, publically stated that the city felt it was time for the protesters to leave Victoria Park. “We understand and support the right of people to stage orderly and peaceful demonstrations. But we ask that the protesters respect our bylaws, which do not allow structures in our parks or activity that prevents others from enjoying our parks. We are getting complaints from Londoners about this.”

Occupy London Ontario is one of a few eviction hot spots in Occupy Canada’s movement. Other cities include Halifax, Victoria and Vancouver. So far, no city has instructed its police force to enforce an eviction order. While Vancouver is citing safety concerns as its rationale to evict Occupy Vancouver, London is citing bylaw infractions.

At issue, is the city of London’s bylaw PR-2, PW-9 and S1 ban:

— “Erecting a tent or shelter in a park unless authorized by the executive director of community services”;

— “Depositing pallets, portable toilets, straw and any other materials on municipal property without lawful authority”;

— “Entering or remaining in Victoria Park between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. of the following day without authorized use of the park beyond 10 p.m.

In a Media Coop interview with Occupy London resident Mike Roy (done at 3:30 p.m. on November 8, 2011, by Megan Kinch), he described the same-day eviction notice handed down by the city as “a slap in the face.” Please read the whole interview at this link.

A press release from Occupy London, Ontario states: “We, the people of Occupy London, Ontario, have peacefully assembled in Victoria Park as a community to create a dialogue about human issues. We come together to engage each other to attempt to formulate solutions to these problems. We invite you to take part in our discussions. Recognizing the failure of traditional political institutions, we choose direct action through direct democracy.”

The group also notes, “Your suppression Section 2(c) of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, of the people of London, Ont to peacefully assemble at Victoria Park will not be tolerated.”

Important contact information:

Mayors office
1-519-661-2500 ext. 4920
fax at 519-661-5308

@LondonComms
police
1-519-661-2664
1-519-661-5670

@lpsmediaoffice

Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/occupylondonontario?sk=wall

Krystalline Kraus

krystalline kraus is an intrepid explorer and reporter from Toronto, Canada. A veteran activist and journalist for rabble.ca, she needs no aviator goggles, gas mask or red cape but proceeds fearlessly...