Labour Day protest returns to Marineland
Sunday’s protest first since owner’s death
has become a familiar sight in Niagara Falls every Labour Day Weekend: Hundreds of protestors outside of Marineland, chanting ‘Shut It Down.’
But this year, the tradition will feel a bit different. For the first time, Marineland owner John Holer will not hear them.
The 83-year-old Slovenian immigrant died in June, a month after the park opened for its 57th season.
In previous years, Holer was often seen driving by protestors in the Marineland parking lot in his familiar SUV. It usually prompted activists on the other side of the fence to chant even louder.
Activist and Marineland nemesis Phil Demers says Holer’s absence will definitely be felt during Sunday’s protest, which begins at 11 a.m.
“Marineland took on the persona of John Holer,” he said.
Demers, a former Marineland animal trainer, was among the activists, filmmakers and media to be sued by the park in recent years.
His $1.5 million lawsuit is still before the courts.
Two of the lawsuits against activists Mike Garrett and ChrisIt tine Santos have been settled with letters of retraction.
Demers is adamant he will never settle. On Thursday, he posted on Facebook that Marineland was threatening his “fundamental right to freedom of expression” ahead of Sunday’s protest. Since Holer’s death, it has not been announced who is now running the park or what Marineland’s plans are for next season.
The park did not respond to interview requests Friday.
The late owner made an appearance at last year’s Labour Day protest, parking his vehicle for a few moments in front of protestors. For his last-ever comment to The Review, he denied rumours that the park had been sold. “There’s too many rumours,” he said.
Demers suspects Holer’s wife Marie is now the park’s CEO.
Every year, during the season’s final protest, Demers hears comments that it could be the final Marineland protest ever. In light of Holer’s death, he wonders if Sunday is indeed the last time he’ll gather with others outside the gates.
“It does feel like it could be the last one ever, and I won’t lie – it’s an alien feeling to me,” he says.
Sunday’s protest goes from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. A CBC film crew will be filming the events for an upcoming feature documentary on the debate surrounding marine parks.