Media statement: Mayor Nenshi on Occupy Calgary judgement
Today, the Honourable Chief Justice Neil Wittmann of the Court of Queen’s Bench of Alberta ruled that Occupy Calgary must remove all “structures, tents, shelters, objects, and things owned, constructed, maintained, placed, or occupied by them” from Olympic Plaza by 2pm on Friday, December 9, 2011. This decision means that The City can continue to enforce its Parks Bylaw throughout Calgary.
This is good news. Throughout the nearly 60 days of this encampment, city officials have worked hard to balance the competing rights of protest and full access to public space. Emotions on both sides of this debate have run high. But, as I have said: this is the essence of democracy and sometimes democracy is messy.
As in other Canadian cities, a clear ruling such as this ensures we can move forward as a City and as a community that values our public spaces and our Charter freedoms. This outcome has always been our goal—it peacefully resolves the Occupy situation while also reinforcing our Bylaws.
I want to thank the many City of Calgary employees who have worked hard to manage this situation so well. In particular, employees with the Calgary Emergency Management Agency, Animal and Bylaw Services, Calgary Police Service, Parks, Recreation, Law, and supporting departments have done an admirable job. They have acted with the utmost professionalism and restraint that was even noticed and commended by Chief Justice Wittmann. Their reasonable actions represent who we are as Calgarians, and I am proud to call them my colleagues.
It was also the work of City of Calgary employees and The Calgary Homeless Foundation that ensured Calgary was the first jurisdiction in Canada to negotiate a peaceful resolution to an Occupy encampment [at St. Patrick’s Island].
As we move forward, I must echo the words of Chief Justice Wittmann: ‘I hope that in the days that follow... both sides continue to act in a measured, conscientious, and peaceful manner.’
- Mayor Naheed Nenshi
This is good news. Throughout the nearly 60 days of this encampment, city officials have worked hard to balance the competing rights of protest and full access to public space. Emotions on both sides of this debate have run high. But, as I have said: this is the essence of democracy and sometimes democracy is messy.
As in other Canadian cities, a clear ruling such as this ensures we can move forward as a City and as a community that values our public spaces and our Charter freedoms. This outcome has always been our goal—it peacefully resolves the Occupy situation while also reinforcing our Bylaws.
I want to thank the many City of Calgary employees who have worked hard to manage this situation so well. In particular, employees with the Calgary Emergency Management Agency, Animal and Bylaw Services, Calgary Police Service, Parks, Recreation, Law, and supporting departments have done an admirable job. They have acted with the utmost professionalism and restraint that was even noticed and commended by Chief Justice Wittmann. Their reasonable actions represent who we are as Calgarians, and I am proud to call them my colleagues.
It was also the work of City of Calgary employees and The Calgary Homeless Foundation that ensured Calgary was the first jurisdiction in Canada to negotiate a peaceful resolution to an Occupy encampment [at St. Patrick’s Island].
As we move forward, I must echo the words of Chief Justice Wittmann: ‘I hope that in the days that follow... both sides continue to act in a measured, conscientious, and peaceful manner.’
- Mayor Naheed Nenshi
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