Trespassing orders issued to protestors camped out in Nathan Phillips square

A trespassing notice has been issued by the city of Toronto to demonstrators who have been camped out for two weeks in Nathan Phillips square. The demonstrators are protesting anti-Indigenous and anti-Black racism.

They are part of a group called Afro-Indigenous Rising Collective, and they are currently occupying dozens of tents in the area and have been since the peaceful June 19 protest, reports CTV News.

Over $47,000 has been raised by the protestors after a Go Fund Me campaign was started online. The group has called on other Toronto residents to join them and stay at the square for a “night or a week.”

The Post Millennial reported on the scene immediately as protestors began camping out at the square.

The group has called for the abolishment and defunding of police and say they want to “maintain momentum” by occupying the square.

The city has allowed protestors to occupy the square but issued a notice on Tuesday with nine requirements such as “prohibitions regarding camping and erecting tents in the square.”

After the demonstrators decided not to comply with the requirements, Brad Ross, a spokesperson for the city said that Toronto has now issued trespassing notices to the people remaining in the square.

The news comes as some American cities—Seattle being one of them—are deciding to remove encampments that turned up after the death of George Floyd on May 25.

The notice asks protestors to pack up their tents and stop camping in the area by Monday at the latest.

It adds that “enforcement steps may include removal of any property, including tents.” A $10,000 fine can be issued for protestors who violate the order.

“The City of Toronto has been working, and is continuing to work, to balance the protesters' freedoms of expression and assembly with various health and safety concerns, the general public's rights to access and enjoy the square, upcoming anticipated conflicting uses of the square, and protecting the physical integrity of square property.” reads the notice. “The square is a common urban space and must be shared as such, in a fair way.”

Patrick Matozzo, the Executive Director or Corporate Real Estate for Toronto noted in a letter that the protestors have to request special permission to continue with the prohibited activities in the square which include day-use canopy tents or erecting signs.

He added that on July 8, the square has been scheduled for permitted use.

“The City of Toronto recognizes the rights of any group or individual to participate in lawful expression and gatherings at the square. To be clear, the requirements of the attached notice do not prevent any person from engaging in lawful gatherings and protests,” said Matozzo.