Condom-flinging protesters fail to faze investors
Pushy, masked protesters spraying rancid milk and cold coffee failed to scare off would-be city investors, says the organizer of a weekend “Try Hamilton” tour.
“Unfortunately, they did take it too far. They did assault some of our guests,” said tour organizer Krysta Boyer of the anti-gentrification demonstrators who surprised tour-goers at Tim Hortons Field Saturday.
“But I don’t think we lost many (tour members), if anyone ... I’ve had nothing but positive feedback.”
Hamilton police are asking the public for help identifying a masked protester who grabbed a visitor trying to board buses at the stadium. They’re also seeking information about the 20 mostly disguised protesters who police say harassed the tourists and physically prevented an arrest before fleeing. Anyone who wants to share information with police can call 905-546-2907.
An anonymously posted description of the group’s effort on a blog labelled the Hamilton Institute claimed members sprayed rancid milk and silly string, threw “greasy condoms” and dumped a cold coffee on one tour member. Police would not confirm any of those details Monday.
But Boyer said some tour members reported being “sprayed with something” and at least one was splashed with coffee. Various stops on the showcase tour of Barton Street and Kenilworth Avenue were also plastered with protest signs or vandalized with paint.
The Spectator was unable to reach anyone with the protest group Monday. But the online post, which labelled tour organizers “parasitic development boosters,” suggested the protest is not a one-off. “Gentrification is a fight and we hope we made our intentions clear to engage with it as one.”
Boyer said she understands concerns about gentrification in the city — where house and rental prices are shooting up — but called the group’s approach “misguided.”
“If they had bothered talking to us, they would know we share that concern,” said Boyer, noting the tour featured a stop devoted to discussions with local groups about community development. Another Try Hamilton event is already in planning, she added.
Tour participants noted the protest online, but didn’t seem fazed. “My love & admiration for Hamilton remains unchanged!” tweeted Burlington insurance executive Peter Van Dyk, who posted video of the demonstration.
Tour sponsor John Goodwin said he was startled to see buses covered in silly string pull up to his location at the Kenilworth Library. “I was told a couple of (tour members) decided against continuing, but from what I saw everyone had a great time.”