HALIFAX - Eleven days have passed since protesters with the Occupy Nova Scotia movement started camping out in Grand Parade in downtown Halifax, and now Halifax Mayor Peter Kelly is asking them to leave by Remembrance Day.
"We have respected the protesters' right to peaceful assembly, they have made their issues known, and now it is time for them to return the Grand Parade to the people of HRM," says Kelly in a statement that was issued late Tuesday afternoon.
Grand Parade also houses a cenotaph where Remembrance Day ceremonies are held each November 11, but right now the space is a sea of tents, signs and protesters.
CTV News spoke with some of the protesters Tuesday morning, before the announcement was made, and they said they have no plans to interfere with the commemoration of November 11.
"We're very excited to work with both the city and our fallen citizens in Halifax, to be respectful on this important day, and we don't see any reason why we can't work together on an important event," said protester Brian Krouse.
But Kelly says the group needs to clear out so the city can clean the space and prepare for Remembrance Day ceremonies.
Roughly 5,000 veterans and Halifax residents attend the ceremony - which is the largest annual ceremonial event in the municipality - each year.
"The Grand Parade is a public space for all of our citizens. Its occupation by one group subverts the notion of the Grand Parade as a space that exists for all," says Kelly. "We have respected the Occupy movement's right to peaceful protest; we now urge them to respect the right of others to assemble here."
Kelly says the square will also be used for many events during the upcoming holiday season, and maintenance and set-up will need to begin for those events soon after the Remembrance Day ceremonies.
He also says the city will work with the Occupy group to accommodate them at a different venue, if they wish.
"We are hopeful that the occupiers will return the respect that the citizens of HRM have shown to them, and that they will provide us with the assurances we require to meet our obligations to host important upcoming public events," says Kelly.
The Royal Canadian Legion was not available for comment today, but it plans to weigh in on the situation tomorrow.
As for downtown residents, some say they don't mind the peaceful protesters, while others say it's time to move on.
"As far as business goes, it might be time for them to move on and pick another spot," says Steve Roberts, who owns a jewelry store downtown.
Meanwhile, the protesters say they haven't had many problems with local residents, and some supporters have even dropped off food to show their support for the cause.
"People have come and brought in donations and some people would drop them off, and just kind of run away,' says protester Naomi Plezier. "And local businesses have been helping us out."
Kelly has asked that the group pack their tents and clear out of Grand Parade by 5 p.m. on Sunday, November 6.
With files from CTV Atlantic's Ron Shaw
