Rise in protests led to increased enforcement at Calgary city hall, mayor says
CTV
On Tuesday morning, inside Calgary city hall, more than 20 security guards, peace officers and police – including members of the mountain bike team – filled the lobby in a show of force while, outside on the street, a handful of protesters voiced their displeasure with the city's mayor.
On Tuesday morning, inside Calgary city hall, more than 20 security guards, peace officers and police – including members of the mountain bike team – filled the lobby in a show of force while, outside on the street, a handful of protesters voiced their displeasure with the city’s mayor.
Signs posted on the entrances to Calgary city hall warn visitors that holding events without a permit are illegal.
The warnings list several banned activities including using amplified equipment, carrying candles or torches with open flames, and placing signs or stickers on any part of the civic complex.
“Lately, we've seen a rise in protests that have turned into something unlike what we've seen in the past,” said Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek. “And so our teams at the city, raised the flag that there would be a potential protest, and they took precautionary measures to make sure that the public was well protected.”
When asked if she or other members of council feel their personal security is threatened by the protesters, Gondek dodged answering saying only, “you would really have to speak to my colleagues about how they're feeling about the protests. My views on this have been fairly public.”
Ward 7 Coun. Terry Wong said he does not feel personally threatened by protesters.
“I think every counsellor knows the risks that they are exposed to, they know, precautions that they can take, how to how to secure themselves,” said Wong.
