Occupy Toronto reunion a tame sequel

Oct 16, 2012 | News

By Kaitie Fraser and Neetu Thind

A small but rambunctious group met at St. James Park Monday night to commemorate the one year anniversary of Occupy Toronto. PHOTO BY NEETU THIND.

The Occupy Toronto movement reclaimed St James Park Monday night, a year after occupiers were evicted from the premises.

Last year’s occupation cost private donors about $60,000 in repairs to the downtown park.

While celebrating the anniversary this year, demonstrators showed a less costly side to their movement.

Kaitie Fraser has the report:

http://youtu.be/EAEhnxmU4Ec

A history of Occupy Toronto:

Occupy Toronto made its mark on Oct. 15, 2011, inspired by the Occupy Wall Street movement.

Demonstrators focused on switching government attention from the elite to the masses.

Along with other major cities around the world, demonstrators pushed their message to get attention for the 99 per cent and around 2,000 demonstrators marched through Toronto’s financial district to rally against corporate greed.

The one year anniversary celebration included singing and dancing, a stark contrast to the events that came before.

Humber News covered the march:

http://youtu.be/-jkUOk1gYM8

The movement then made its way to St. James Park to continue the protest, where they remained for 39 days.

Toronto Police evicted the protestors, who were in violation of a bylaw that doesn’t allow tents or structures in public parks.

Humber News got the reaction:

http://youtu.be/kK1mPr-tBGU

http://youtu.be/DpNhCqKhnL4