Democracy In Action

Moved by Councillor George

Second by Councillor Berg

WHEREAS on October 15, 2011 people all over the world took to the streets to join

together in a non violent global protest, in regards to political, social and environmental injustice; and

WHEREAS in many cities throughout the world protesters have raised tents in city parks to support the Occupy Movement; and

WHEREAS on October 15, 2011 Occupy Kingston protestors occupied and continue to occupy a high profile area of the City’s Confederation Park without the permission of the City and in contravention of the City’s by-laws regulating the use of parks installed numerous tarps over the Confederation Park stage canopy framework creating a large structure within which a number of tents and other camping equipment and facilities were erected and used to camp and live in; and

WHEREAS Kingston residents and businesses have exercised patience for over six weeks but are becoming increasingly concerned about the negative impact of the protestors act of appropriating for their own use a high profile portion of public space in the City’s Confederation Park with every indication that they intend to remain for a number of months;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Occupy Kingston protestors be requested to cease camping and to remove all shelters, tents, equipment and debris from Confederation Park by not later than 12:01 a.m. on Thursday, December 8, 2011 and to refrain from carrying out any of those activities in other city parks and municipally owned public spaces; and

THAT in the event that the Occupy Kingston protestors do not comply with the foregoing request from City Council, that City of Kingston staff be directed to take appropriate actions to enforce applicable municipal by-laws including By-Law 2009-076, a By-Law to provide for the regulation of use of parks and recreational facilities of the Corporation of the City of Kingston; and

THAT the protestors be informed that they and all members of the Public are welcomed in the parks to exercise their democratic rights and enjoy the parks but will not be allowed to camp or to use any camping equipment including but not limited to shelters, tents, sleeping bags, barbecues or any other equipment that would be in contravention of By-Law 2009-076; and

THAT the Council for the City of Kingston acknowledge the concerns of the Occupy Kingston Movement and continue to work as diligently as possible on matters of concern to the Movement that are within the City’s jurisdiction.