VANCOUVER – The City of Vancouver has changed its tactics and now wants a court injunction to get rid of the Occupy camp on the grounds protesters are trespassing.
Last week, a judge delayed her decision on an injunction but ordered the protesters to comply with fire safety demands.
The city had been contending there are imminent safety concerns, including the drug overdose death of a 23-year-old Victoria woman in a tent.
But Ben Parkin, a lawyer for the city, told Associate Chief Justice Anne MacKenzie on Wednesday the city is now seeking an injunction on the grounds Occupy Vancouver is in breach of the city land regulation bylaw.
Parkin said he will argue the protesters are trespassing.
“There’s no dispute people have erected structures … on the property. They’re sitting there right now,” he said.
“(There’s) no issue on the basic facts there is a breach.”
City workers and fire officials removed several tents and tarps from the encampment Tuesday.
Protesters had been given a deadline of last Thursday afternoon to do it themselves.
Fire Chief John McKearney said there had been progress during the past few days, but he said the protesters still hadn’t satisfied the court order.
Local news from metronews.ca/vancouver
About The Reporter
