Members of Occupy Ottawa say they are dealing with safety concerns as they move forward, and continue to plan for the challenges winter may bring.
Their concerns range from fire hazards to issues with women’s safety.
“Because we’re so public and there’s such a large focus on us, yes, these issues are going to come up, and yes, we try to address them to the best of our abilities,” says Mitchell Broughton, a Carleton student involved with the movement. “But it’s a slow process.”
Broughton says safety issues arise everywhere, referencing a recent sexual assault on Carleton’s campus.
Mark, another member staying at the site, who asked to keep his last name anonymous, says the group hasn’t seen much police interference since beginning the movement.
“Informally, they peek their head in every now and then, do a drive through, or a bike through, but beyond that, they actually keep their distance unless they’re called on-site,” he says.
An officer was at Confederation Park speaking with the members on Nov. 2, which Mark said is the first time in a long time a police officer has stopped by as part of his duty requirements.
The officer spoke with members about their concerns with things such as garbage control, water and sanitation.
He also asked members what they were doing to keep the site safe from fire hazards, and suggested head counts and the removal of heaters from tents.
A media representative for the Ottawa Police says it is working with the organizers to address any issues, adding they urge any victims of crime at the site to contact the police.
Mark says issues with safety are important, but the group is mainly concerned with plans for the future, especially with Winterlude approaching.
“We all know it’s going to be a conflict between us and the NCC and the city and the kids who want to come see ice sculptures,” he says. “So we know that’s coming, but how is the occupation going to manage that or work around that? I can’t say. Right now it’s up in the air.”