Despite concerns from the mayor over plans by G8 protesters to use a Centretown park as a base, the chief of police says he has no plans to remove demonstrators from the public site.
Chief Vince Bevan said yesterday that although the city is encouraging members of the "Take the Capital" protest group to move their activity to LeBreton Flats, he has no plans to order protesters from Dundonald Park.
"The site has been referred to twice and we recognize they are advertising this site," said Chief Bevan. "But we have no plans to force them from there."
Police refused to speculate on numbers of protesters and won't say what their specific plans are for dealing with demonstrations or any attempts to close roadways.
"We can only monitor and react when something takes place," said Staff Sgt. Monique Ackland. "We have the same information everybody else has, that the Take the Capital group wants to shut down (highways) 401, 416 and 417."
Sgt. Ackland said police don't have any specific information about plans to shut down roads.
"At this point, it is still very difficult to pinpoint exactly what might take place and I can sense frustration all around. But until we see people assembling, and then something occurring, we have to just sit back and monitor."
OPP in the Belleville-Kingston corridor say they expect an attempt will be made sometime today to slow or shut down eastbound traffic on Highway 401.
Take the Capital spokeswoman Lisa Freeman has confirmed, however, that her group plans to use Dundonald Park tomorrow as a "chill zone" and will offer protesters a variety of music in the park. The park is bordered by Somerset, Lyon, Bay and MacLaren streets.
Mayor Bob Chiarelli told a media briefing on G8 security that the Dundonald Park area is too residential for the protesters and he wants them out.
Both Mr. Chiarelli and Chief Bevan lashed out at anarchists who may try to hide among legitimate protest groups.
"Citizens have a right to voice their opinion publicly but the citizens of Ottawa have the right to the safety and security of their homes and workplaces," said Chief Bevan. "Time and time again, we have sought open dialogue with (protest) organizations to actively create an environment for peaceful demonstration. In some cases, there has been far less co-operation and I view that as opportunity lost.
"However, our message is clear. We are willing to work with the organizations. My hope is still that there will be no incidents which require police intervention," he said. "But if protesters break windows and vandalize property, they will be arrested ... and prosecuted."
As preparations for protests continued, hundreds of police officers with the Ottawa police, RCMP, OPP and municipal services converged at the National Defence facility at Shirley's Bay. Officers in riot gear went through a "training day," and were briefed on what to expect over the coming days.
Ottawa police announced yesterday there will be no access for motor vehicles at the Central station on Elgin Street from 7 p.m. tonight to 7 a.m. on Friday. The City of Ottawa parking lot, usually accessible from Metcalfe Street, will also be closed during this period.
The National Gallery of Canada announced plans to close at 3 p.m. tomorrow. The Canadian Museum of Contemporary Photography will do the same and close at noon on Thursday. More institutions are expected to follow suit.
Small-business owners in Ottawa sent a letter to politicians warning of the financial impact on small- and medium-sized businesses. The letter requests financial compensation if protesters target any of its group.
"There is some exposure to the entire community," said Mr. Chiarelli. "But we will not shut this city down and we will not be intimidated into shutting it down. City Hall will remain open throughout. City Council will meet (tomorrow) night as planned. We won't be intimidated by 200 or 300 violent anarchists."
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