Two protestors from the group, Save Old Growth, were arrested at a demonstration that caused delays, safety issues at Highway 1 off-ramp. On Monday April 18, just after 8 am, Burnaby RCMP frontline officers responded to multiple reports of more than a dozen people blocking westbound traffic at Grandview Highway and Boundary Road.
When police arrived, the majority of demonstrators left the area but two people remained.
One man had glued his hand to the road, and another man sat atop a tall ladder blocking traffic. Both men refused to leave the area despite being given the opportunity to do so. The Burnaby Fire Department and officers trained in high-angle rescue were called to the scene to assist, and both demonstrators were safely removed.
The two demonstrators were arrested for Mischief and Intimidation by blocking or obstructing a highway. This demonstration caused significant safety concerns and affected traffic for over three hours. “The actions of these individuals’ drained first responder resources and put the safety of the public in harm’s way,” said Corporal Mike Kalanj with the Burnaby RCMP. “We respect everyone’s right to lawful, peaceful and safe protest. However, this demonstration created significant public safety concerns for the demonstrators and the travelling public.”
