The City of Vancouver’s application for a court injunction — to allow them to legally force the removal of the Occupy Vancouver tent city — has been delayed until this morning.
A B.C. Supreme Court judge adjourned the injunction hearing yesterday afternoon after the defence argued it needed more time to go over the city’s arguments.
Earlier yesterday, Vancouver Police Chief Jim Chu warned the Occupy Vancouver movement that it’s time to leave after a scuffle between police and protesters.
“We have seen the black masks and others who are intent on violence,” Chu told reporters.
He said the confrontation happened at the encampment late Monday night over attempts to extinguish an on-site barrel fire and resulted in two police officers being brought to hospital with “human bite wounds.”
“A group from the site formed a human chain around the barrel to prevent the fire service from doing their job,” Chu said. “When they started to push and shove the firefighters, officers moved in to keep the peace.”
“Our officers received the full wrath of the protesters, who punched, kicked and bit them,” he added.
One officer also had his ammunition clip stolen during the scuffle, but there were no arrests made.
“This can no longer stand,” Chu declared.
But Chu said they are waiting for the results of the city’s application for a court injunction before they can move on the encampment.
Meanwhile, the city’s lawyers are working toward an interim application to require Occupy Vancouver protesters to comply with the fire chief’s Nov. 3 order to allow fire and rescue crews to clear pathways and remove some of the tents. It also seeks to authorize police to arrest those who interfere or do not comply with the order.
The interim application has yet to be approved or denied.
Local news from metronews.ca/vancouver
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