Police escort Tory out after protesters crash mayor's event

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Toronto Mayor John Tory was forced to leave a groundbreaking ceremony for a luxury office building project Thursday after protesters disrupted the event.

Tory told the protesters he was willing to listen to their concerns after the ceremony, and accused them of being discourteous after they continued to interrupt his remarks.

“You are people that came and engaged in violent activity in front of my home,” the mayor said, just before he abandoned the podium.

The mayor was later escorted from the scene by police.

The protesters were demanding a moratorium on tenant evictions during the COVID-19 pandemic.

They also objected to Bill 184, the Protecting Tenants and Strengthening Community Housing Act passed by the Doug Ford government, which they say would make it easier for landlords to evict tenants.

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Protesters got behind the mayor with signs that urged him to publicly oppose the Ford government’s bill and to tell police not to participate in evictions.

“No more sidestepping, it’s time for you to step up,” and “Listen to your tenants,” protesters shouted at Tory.

The condominium building where Tory lives has also been similarly targeted by the protesters.

In a statement issued shortly after Thursday’s incident, Tory said he has been advocating residential and commercial tenants on the need for rent relief and protection from evictions since the beginning of the pandemic.

“Today’s groundbreaking, which was disrupted by protesters, was for a building which includes 20% affordable housing and a childcare centre, and through its construction will create much-needed jobs,” Tory said.

“I am willing to work with anyone who wants to constructively work with him to help the residents of Toronto. I repeatedly offered today to meet with the protesters after the announcement to hear their concerns but they chose to continue their public protest instead and not let the event proceed.”

City legal staff have told him the municipality has no authority to impose an eviction ban but he has called on landlords to support their tenants during COVID-19 and supported a temporary provincial ban, he said.

“I have said I disagree with some of the changes outlined in Bill 184,” he said. “The city solicitor is reporting directly to city council with advice on the possibility of legally challenging those provisions of Bill 184 which undermine the rights of tenants to a fair hearing.”

T3 Bayside, located at 261 Queens Quay East, is a planned 251,0000-square-foot office building with a view of Lake Ontario to be joined later by a second “twin” office building.

aartuso@postmedia.com