Montreal police are preparing for the controversial annual anti-police brutality march scheduled for Monday, while organizers call for calm from both demonstrators and police.
Police are asking the public to clean up from around their homes and businesses loose rocks and other debris that could be used as projectiles.
But Mario Cote, who lives three blocks from the Pie-IX Metro station where marchers will gather, says many of his neighbours need no reminder.
"We're kind of scared because I know it's going to turn out really bad like always," he said. "We've called each other, saying close the gates of your garage and don't leave anything that could be dangerous for us."
Patrick Ratelle, for example, has instructed employees at his furniture store not to put out garbage bins until after the demonstration.
As they have done during previous marches, organizers are again refusing to disclose to police which route they will be taking.
Over the years, the protest has developed a reputation for violence and vandalism, with 221 people arrested last year. Most of those arrested were released with fines, but some were charged with mischief, theft and posession of weapons.
Last year, six police cruisers were damaged and some of them were set on fire, said Montreal police Sgt. Ian Lafrenière.
This year marks the 14th annual protest. Demonstrators will leave from the Pie-IX Metro station in Montreal's Hochelaga-Maisonneuve district at 5 p.m.
Sophie Senécal, spokeswoman for the Collective Opposed to Police Brutality, which is organizing the march, says the departure point is symbolic.
Her group wants to denounce the "social cleansing" of the downtown area, during which she says authorities have pushed out homeless people, prostitutes and others.
With nowhere else to go, she says many have moved into neighbouring areas such as Hochelaga-Maisonneuve.
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Last Edited by flyby on 03/15/2010 04:13 PM
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