City issues final order to Occupy London protesters
The City has issued a final notice and order this morning to the protesters who are occupying Victoria Park. At a news conference this morning, Mayor Fontana said that Council approved the final notice ordering the protesters to leave the park no later than 6:00 p.m. today, November 8.
The City order says that if the protesters do not immediately remove tents, shelters, pallets, portable toilets, straw and any other material or thing from Victoria Park or other City lands, those materials will be removed on or after 6:00 pm. on November 8. The order also says that the protesters must cease and desist from entering or remaining in the park between 10:00 pm and 6:00 am.
The Mayor indicated that the City has tried all avenues to negotiate a solution with the protesters, however the City has serious safety and property concerns. “We still hold out the offer to allow the protesters to have an education tent in the park, which they can use during the day,” said Mayor Fontana. “We are particularly concerned about the safety of the protesters in the park, as well as other members of the public who are using the park.”
·The Mayor took note of two important November events in which he and many others are taking part:Movember, in support of prostate cancer initiatives, and Shine the Light on Woman Abuse.
·Council approved an extension of the temporary ban on new methadone clinics until May 2012, in order to conduct further public consultation and analysis on this issue. A public meeting on methadone clinics is being held this Thursday, November 10.
The City of London has issued a Letter to the Occupants of Occupy London asking them to leave Victoria Park. It also explains the work which must be done to the park to "winterize" it.
The letter explains the process by which any group must follow if they wish to erect tents in the City Park for any purpose.
The reasons are set out in a letter sent by the Director of Parks and Recreation, Mr. Bill Coxhead to Occupy London. The letter is dated November 4, 2011.
Click on this link to read the letter released by the City of London
What a difference a week makes. A week ago representatives from Occupy London met with City Council to discuss the occupation of Victoria Park. All sides were friendly and eager to find some common ground.
Fast forward to Friday November 4th and Mayor Fontana has clearly had enough of the occupation of London's beloved park. He wants the occupation ended. Remembrance Day ceremonies are a week away. Although the tents are at the other end of the park some Veterans have let it be known that they would like Victoria Park cleared.
There was also controversy during the lighting of the purple lights on one of the trees near the encampment. The purple lights signify a greater awareness towards "woman abuse." Tents were moved by the protesters to accommodate this event but there was still controversy.
