Planned anti-Israel protest near TTC stations 'threat' to infrastructure: Councillor
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A pro-Palestinian group’s planned “Danforth takeover” Tuesday near eight TTC subway stations is a “threat to critical city infrastructure,” a Toronto city councillor said.
Councillor James Pasternak, who represents the York Centre ward, expressed his concerns Monday about the protest in a statement to media, calling on Toronto Police and the TTC to “ensure safe public access to all subway stations and City of Toronto infrastructure.
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“I am calling on the Toronto Police Service and the Toronto Transit Commission to take all necessary measures to ensure public safety, maintain order and protect people’s right to safe access to public transit across our city,” he said in the statement.
“The safety and security of all Torontonians is our priority and we expect decisive action to mitigate this threat against public transit.”
An Instagram post by the account eastendacts calls on protesters to bring signs, pots and pans to the major intersection nearest the eight TTC subway stops between Main Street and Broadway stations.
The protest, aimed at Canada’s involvement with Israel amid its war with Hamas, is planned for 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. — at the peak of rush hour.
“This is a critical moment to take action, put continued pressure on our MPs and stand in solidarity with Palestinians,” the Instagram post says. “Join East End Acts for a Week of Action to demand an immediate arms embargo (with Israel) and end Canada’s complicity.”
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Pasternak said the protest could “significantly impact” the commute of hundreds of thousands of people. He also charged that the protest violates the Criminal Code in that it obstructs the “use of the city’s infrastructure (intimidation and mischief) and (it is) an unlawful assembly to congregate for that purpose.
“These actions are illegal and hazardous because its primary purpose is to distract drivers operating vehicles on busy corridors and attempt to overwhelm crowd management operations at TTC stations,” Pasternak said, adding the police response to deal with “anti-Israel mobs” has cost the city $20 million.
“It could potentially result in terrible accidents, fatalities, injuries and property damage to critical infrastructure.”
Toronto Police spokesperson Stephanie Sayer said in a statement to the Toronto Sun that they are aware of the planned protest and are in contact with the TTC.
“As with any public demonstration, our priority is to ensure public safety and keep disruptions to a minimum,” Sayer said. “Officers will attend to monitor the situation and respond to any issues that may arise.”
TTC spokesperson Stuart Green said transit officials are “ready to respond accordingly” to ensure the safety of passengers and that service continues without disruption.
“The safety of our customers and employees is paramount to all we do,” Green said.
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