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It was a day of political theatre — however not a lot drama — at The United Individuals of Canada’s “embassy” at St. Brigid’s church Thursday.
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The 12:01 a.m. deadline for when the bailiff’s eviction order might be enforced got here and went with out incident. The proprietor desires TUPOC out of the deconsecrated Catholic church the place they’ve been arrange since early summer time, saying they haven’t paid their lease or offered proof of insurance coverage.
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TUPOC director William Komer says they’ve insurance coverage and the proprietor has refused to simply accept greater than $10,000 in financial institution drafts the group has tried to ship.
On Thursday the dispute turned farcical when Komer held court docket in entrance of the church, a toddler’s crown on his head and holding a foil wrapped sceptre, whereas flanked by two TUPOC “bodyguards” armed with tremendous soaker squirt weapons.
Komer says the charade is an try to defuse the stress between the group and its Lowertown neighbours, although a few of TUPOC’s critics took it extra as a provocative poke within the eye.
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On Wednesday, Stop Bailiff, the corporate appearing for St. Brigid’s house owners, stated it wouldn’t touch upon its plans, however texted “I can advise TUPC shall be leaving.”
Komer reiterated to reporters Thursday the group is a lawful tenant and would attempt to arrest the bailiff for trespassing if it tried to implement the order.
In the meantime, neighbours proceed to complain they’re being harassed by TUPOC supporters.
Heather Cole stated she watched a TUPOC member comply with one in every of TUPOC’s critics to her house after a confrontation Wednesday evening.
A neighborhood enterprise proprietor, who requested that he not be named, stated he was visited by Komer who requested for recommendation on get the Shepherd’s of Good Hope shelter out of Lowertown.
“You progress in right here and begin complaining about folks on the streets doing medication?” The enterprise proprietor stated. “Nicely, welcome to the ‘hood. I informed them to get misplaced.”
Cole was practically in tears Thursday as she described her frustration.
“It doesn’t really feel like anybody is doing something,” she stated. “I do know that may not be true, however that’s the way it feels. And the mayor can say ‘You guys ought to depart’, however it might good to really feel as if somebody has our backs.”
