RCMP visit ‘demoviction’ protesters in Burnaby but occupants refuse to leave

BURNABY, B.C. – Mounties have paid a visit to protesters occupying a three-storey apartment building in Burnaby, B.C., but the activists are promising to stay until they’re forced out.

The group called Alliance Against Displacement has been squatting in the building (at 5025 Imperial St.) since July 9.

They’re protesting so-called “demovictions,” or demolishing older, affordable units to make way for more expensive suites in highrises.

A B.C. Supreme Court judge granted the property’s owner, Amacon Developments, an injunction on Thursday that would allow police to remove protesters from the building.

RCMP attended the building on Friday afternoon and attempted to convince protesters to leave, but the activists refused and the officers left unsuccessful.

Protest organizer Dave Diewert says he’s expecting a stronger police response next time.

(CKNW)