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OPP has ‘no issues’ with the blockade at Site 41

The Midland Mirror, the Alliston Herald, and the Barrie Advance report this morning that, “After nearly 60 days of quietly demonstrating across the road from controversial landfill Site 41, native protesters have stepped up their fight. The Beausoleil First Nation protesters, along with about two dozen others, have moved their fight to the gates of the dumpsite. …(Spokesperson) Brass Elson said the plan is to block the gates and not letting anyone in until the County of Simcoe stops construction. …Brass Elson added the plan is to remain non-violent in their opposition: ‘We’re sitting here with our feathers and being peaceful.’”

“(Ontario Provincial Police) Southern Georgian Bay Const. Peter Leon said police have ‘no issues’ regarding protesters blocking traffic, as the ‘peaceful’ demonstration was well off the road and in front of the gates to the dump. ‘Members of our provincial liaison team have been on site since early (Monday) morning,’ he said. ‘They’ve been speaking with (the protesters) throughout the course of the morning trying to get a good scope on things.’ Although peaceful, protesters are now trespassing on private property, but Leon said Monday that no decision on breaking up the illegal protest had been made. ‘We have to give our officers the opportunity to make everybody aware of the circumstances and the ramifications of what is taking place, and that’s something they’re trained very, very well to do,’ he said. ‘If a situation comes along, then we’ll have to certainly deal with it.’”

“County of Simcoe Warden Tony Guergis told The Mirror the county has allowed the protest to continue, but he does have some concern it might escalate and spark legal action in the future.”

The full article can be read at http://www.midlandmirror.com/midlandmirror/article/140147.

A Canadian Press article on this blockade was also reported in Metro newspapers across Canada today. That can be read at http://www.metronews.ca/halifax/canada/article/257579–aboriginal-protesters-blockade-landfill-site.

The Barrie Examiner has reported that, “It was reported that Native protesters has blocked all entrances to Site 41 early yesterday morning. The protesters were unarmed, and said they were using prayer to halt any further construction there.”

The Council of Canadians media release of the non-violent blockade of the access road to Site 41 can be read at http://canadians.org/media/water/2009/06-July-09.html.