PiDGiN protesters given “criminal conduct warning” by Vancouver police
The Vancouver Police Department is giving out a “criminal conduct warning” to activists participating in antigentrification protests in the Downtown Eastside.
The protests include the five-night-a-week pickets outside PiDGiN, according to VPD spokesperson Const. Brian Montague.
“The letter is specifically geared to protests that are in regards to the PiDGiN restaurant and the gentrification protests that are going on,” Montague told the Straight by phone on April 17. “It’s not a letter that we plan on providing all protesters in future protests for something else. The letter comes about as part of the PiDGiN protests specifically.”
Citing the Criminal Code, the letter states that the offence of mischief includes obstruction of the lawful use and enjoyment of property.
Pivot Legal Society lawyer Doug King spoke to the Straight just after talking to antipoverty activist Wendy Pedersen, who received a copy of the letter from a VPD officer on Wednesday.
“I don’t see why the VPD would basically pick sides, and say we’re going to take on representing a landowner in this case,” King said by phone. “If the VPD honestly believes that there’s criminal conduct, that’s one thing. But from what I’ve heard about the protests, I don’t see anything that would fit that definition from my interpretation of the law.”
Comments
9 Comments
Urbanelf
Apr 17, 2013 at 3:46pm
"Citing the Criminal Code, the letter states that the offence of mischief includes obstruction of the lawful use and enjoyment of property."
Seems pretty obvious to me. The protesters are infringing on the restaurant owner's right to lawful use and enjoyment of property.
I think most people, like me, have a hard time understanding the point of harassing a small business owner as a way to get their point across to city planners and government. They are causing harm to a man who is a hard working member of our society, who is just trying to make a better life for himself and his employees. How is shutting him down considered doing good in any way?
Fed up with y'all
Apr 17, 2013 at 4:28pm
Where is the "criminal" intent here? Since when did making a few spineless foodies uncomfortable trump the needs of the homeless and the right to congregate on a sidewalk. Love how some people in this city are intimidated and shaken up by a handful of sparsely attended protests. Spend a day in any war torn region, you'll be begging for a protest at your favourite restaurant.
Janis
Apr 17, 2013 at 4:54pm
Going to check this place out tonight!
EastVanD
Apr 17, 2013 at 8:35pm
I could see how you might not understand the point of these protests... if you'd never been displaced by gentrification.
everything
Apr 17, 2013 at 8:55pm
Ate there last week - delicious. There were a couple of miserable protesters. I think they were jealous of me.
A Smith
Apr 18, 2013 at 12:01am
The owner of this restaurant has been involved in the DTES for a number of years in a manner that has helped the marginalized people down there. For these people to now protest gentrification outside his business only is despicable. I enjoyed a lovely meal with some friends there recently and it was delicious! Don't be fooled by the protesters the owner is good people and well deserving of your business.
Judi
Apr 18, 2013 at 6:50am
EastVanD, have you? Give example(s) please.
larry
Apr 18, 2013 at 10:57am
How many of these protesters are actually out looking for work and trying to make a difference other than making a noise?
J-dawg
May 3, 2013 at 2:34pm
Its businesses like these that pay the taxes that support people on welfare and other social services. The downtown east side needs diversity, if it is all social housing and treatment it will become more of a slum than it is now. I am not heartless, I have an immediatte family member that was hookded on heroin for 14 years. The worst place for him was the downtown east side, the second you walk out of treatment there are temptations on every corner. The issue is bigger than this restaraunt, its bigger than the NIMBY's in other areas that have prevented social housing from being built, its bigger than the closure of Riverview. Its complicated and while I understand people are upset,this is a misguided channeling of their emotions.
No one should feel guilty for working hard, making a business or choosing to spend hard earned money in that business. Shame on these people.