WITH one day left before the G8 protest in Ottawa, police and politicians are warning protesters to keep the peace.
Mayor Bob Chiarelli and Police Chief Vince Bevan joined Coun. Herb Kreling and RCMP Staff Sgt. Marc Richer to encourage protesters to use voices and not violence to make their point.
"Peaceful demonstrations are tolerated," said Chiarelli. "We are the capital. This is where public debate takes place, but for those who choose to break the law, you will be arrested and prosecuted."
More than 5,000 people are expected to come to the capital tomorrow and Thursday to protest the G8 meeting in Kananaskis, Alta. Comments made by protest groups and information gathered by officials indicate some protesters intend to create havoc in the capital.
According to Robert Ferguson, the director of the Citizenship and Immigration office in Calgary, 19 people have been refused entry into the country for reasons associated with the G8.
For those who have made it across the border, police have anticipated many scenarios.
While Ottawa Police and police services from Ontario and Quebec will monitor protests, Bevan said the riot squad and police dogs are prepared to act if protesters turn on police.
"If protesters shoot or throw projectiles at police officers as some did at the G20 we will take the measures necessary to protect our members," said Bevan. "Our response will be measured and appropriate to the circumstance."
Ambulance and fire services will also stand by in case police are forced to use substances like tear gas, said Steve Kanellakos, Ottawa's general manager of emergency and protective services.
Officials were adamant all forms of peaceful protest are welcome.
Chiarelli said the city has offered the use of Lebreton Flats as a protest home base for protesters to replace the current "chill out zone" at Dundonald Park on Somerset St.
"(Lebreton Flats) is not near residential areas where they are going to scare the life out of children and senior citizens," said Chiarelli.
Peaceful protesters will also be allowed on Parliament Hill, said Richer. Public Works has doused the Centennial Flame as a precaution.
FEDERAL ASSISTANCE
Police will spend millions keeping the peace the next few days but Bevan was optimistic the feds would come through with compensation.
"I'm very much encouraged that we will have federal assistance dealing with the costs of the G8," Bevan told a police services board meeting last night.
The Royal Canadian Legion yesterday issued a press release voicing concern over the fate of the National War Memorial and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
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