Vancouver Trump Tower opens amid protest

VANCOUVER — Hundreds of antiTrump protesters waved signs and chanted on the streets of Vancouver on Tuesday while inside the newly completed Trump Tower, smiling members of U.S. President Donald Trump’s family snipped through a red ribbon to mark the grand opening of the latest addition to the city’s skyline.

Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump, scions of the billionaire real-estate mogul turned politician, were in Vancouver to celebrate the completion of the $360-million hotel and condominium development, which has become a lightning rod for demonstrations against the American leader.

Eric, the younger of the two brothers, spoke glowingly of his family’s success over the past year, touting the Trump brand as one that continues to be synonymous with unrivalled class and quality.

“We’ve had an unbelievable past year on so many fronts as a family. We’ve opened so many great properties,” he told the official opening.

“This building now sits in a great portfolio of what we consider the best buildings in the world, best architectural masterpieces anywhere in the world. And that is what our brand is all about, that is what our father’s vision was all about — creating the most iconic buildings anywhere in the world.”

Vancouver’s Trump International Hotel and Tower was built by developer Joo Kim Tiah, the president and CEO of Holborn Group, who is the son of one of Malaysia’s wealthiest businessmen.

The Trump Organization does not own the tower but licensed its name for branding and marketing, while the Trump Hotel Collection operates the 147room hotel. The building is a unique twisting structure designed by late architect Arthur Erickson.

Trump Tower has become a focal point for protests over the president’s antiimmigrant rhetoric, comments about women and promises to build a wall to keep Mexican migrants out of the United States.