Dear Mayor Watson, Councillor Menard and Councillor Deans; Joel Harden, MPP and Premier Ford; Yasir Naqvi, MP and Prime Minister Trudeau,
I am writing today to express the concern of the Glebe Community Association (GCA) with the ongoing occupation and protest in downtown Ottawa.
The GCA is a volunteer, non-profit, membership-based, and City-recognized organization advocating for a liveable, sustainable, diverse urban neighbourhood in downtown Ottawa. We inform, consult, and engage with residents and other groups in the Glebe on issues of importance and promote the interests of our community with all levels of government and other organizations.
The GCA passed an urgent motion this week regarding the ongoing demonstration downtown (the full text of which I have included below). We are supportive of the democratic right of people to protest peacefully and engage in respectful dialogue. However, the protest and ongoing occupation we have seen this week is completely unacceptable for several reasons, including the racism and hate speech evident in many of the protestors’ messages, as well as the complete disrespect for those who live downtown, particularly in Centretown. All in the downtown core have been affected by the noise, pollution and dangerous circumstances, and it has been especially difficult for older adults, those living with disabilities, and those who are homeless and using the shelter system to access the supports they need. The environmental effects of constant vehicle idling are also concerning.
We are asking that the Ottawa Police, as well as the municipal, provincial and federal orders of government take immediate and appropriate action to address the situation downtown. Those who live and work in the National Capital Region have the right to live and move through their city without the fear of harassment, intimidation and threats.
Sincerely,
Laura Smith
President, Glebe Community Association
Whereas the Glebe Community Association advocates for a diverse, liveable and sustainable urban neighbourhood within Ottawa,
Whereas the GCA supports the democratic right of people to protest peacefully and engage in respectful dialogue,
Whereas the protest that began January 28 focused around Parliament Hill has included hate speech and imagery, signs and messages that are racist, anti-Semitic, homophobic, transphobic and offensive to Indigenous People,
Whereas the disrespect being shown for the people who live and work in Centretown and the downtown core is completely unacceptable,
Whereas the protest has made it particularly difficult for older adults, those living with disabilities, and people who are homeless and using the shelter system to access the supports they need,
and whereas noise and idling of vehicles are having a negative effect on mental health and the environment, in particular air quality,
Be it resolved that the GCA calls on the Ottawa Police and all orders of government to take immediate and appropriate action to protect the personal and civil liberties of those who live and work in the National Capital Region, including the right to live and move through their city without the fear of harassment, intimidation, and threats, as well as the effects of pollution from deliberate noise and exhaust.
And be it further resolved that the GCA support the statement from the Federation of Citizens Associations expressing its concern with the detrimental impacts of the protest and calling for an immediate end of the protest.
—
Laura Smith, President
Glebe Community Association
gca@glebeca.ca