The Vancouver Police Department held a press conference today announcing that they were putting a small number of the anti-gentrification protestors outside Gastown’s Pidgin restaurant on notice that they will be arrested for “criminal acts” (watch video above). The following document – which contains the legal definition of criminal mischief (for the kids) – spells out the VPD’s position:
The restaurant, which is co-owned and cheffed by Makoto Ono (the first Canadian Culinary Champion), has endured protests by anti-gentrification activists ever since it opened on Carrall St. across from Pigeon Park some two months ago. What’s lost in all this brou-ha-ha is the food. The picketers decry it as “upscale”, but it’s cheaper than Earls and not a little better. Give it a try.
I don’t know where they get the “upscale” from either. It is very reasonably priced for the quality and culinary expertise that goes into the food. I think the room is great and the food even better. It is a shame they are targeting someone just trying to make a living.
It is upscale because it costs money in the first place.
We ate there 6 weeks agog and had a great experience. When we left, we were jeered by the protesters who told us to stay in our own neighbourhoods. They really don’t seem to represent their cause very well. One of them followed us for a few blocks until I confronted him.
They need a couple of bouncers out front like the two who work the sidewalk in front of the Bourbon st. Pub.
Do I like cops now? I think I like cops.
I’d love one of them to follow me from the restaurant. Two hits. Me hitting him, him hitting the sidewalk.
So, can myself and some friends surround the homeless guys camped out in my neighborhood banks,and harass them until they go back to the DTES?