Protest underway to mark official opening of Trump Tower in Vancouver

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – Several protests have been organized to mark the official opening of the Trump International Hotel & Tower on Georgia Street in Downtown Vancouver today. Some feel the rallies will simply provide more fuel for the US president’s publicity machine or send a clear message that people in Vancouver don’t support his style of politics.

Victor Paquette takes issue with protesters questioning why don’t they focus on local issues @NEWS1130 #TrumpVancouver pic.twitter.com/KuNimS52yR

— James Cybulski (@cballnews) February 28, 2017

Overall, opinions are mixed whether today’s protest could make a difference although one woman NEWS 1130 spoke with thinks it’s important to make your voice heard. “It might not have any direct political effect but I think that it’s important in terms of showing solidarity with other people of colour.”

Others agree. “I want nothing to do with him or anything that he stands for or anything that is going to give him money and power,” adds another Vancouver woman.

“Trump is all up in our faces all the time and it’s really a downer so I think that we should channel our energy into more helpful things,” says another person NEWS 1130 spoke with.

“It’s going to raise awareness of Trump however people decide to look on that if they want to invest more in his business or move away from it — it’s going to have an effect either way,” argues one man.

A couple hundred people are gathered outside the tower. There will be speeches and music at 3 p.m., while another rally is planned for 4 p.m. at Jack Poole Plaza when protesters will march to the US Consulate.

US President Donald Trump won’t be in attendance for the event but his two adult sons will be when the luxury tower bearing his surname officially opens.

How Trump’s brand will be impacted in Vancouver

Are polarizing presidential politics going to affect business at the newest addition to Vancouver’s skyline? It turns out the fickle world of high-end hospitality may not tolerate too much dissent outside Trump Tower itself. Protesters may hold some power — at least in the short-term.

Western University Ivey Business School Marketing Professor June Cotte says while the greater public may not be able to afford to stay at a Trump hotel, they can have a powerful impact on the enterprise.

She adds high-end, exclusive clientele are usually looking for a discreet experience. “If I’m going to choose between another luxury brand, like a Four Seasons for example than a Trump brand, why wouldn’t I choose that doesn’t have riot police in front of the property?”

Meanwhile SFU Beedie School of Business Marketing Professor Lindsay Meredith says the business of catering to the ultra-rich is an intricate dance, where the slightest misstep for a luxury brand could hurt its reputation very much. “All of these have to work well. You can’t just have an outstanding hotel. It’s got to have a crystal clean image as well.”

Heavy police presence

Vancouver Police say they will be on hand today for all the protests to help keep the peace and to handle any potential traffic tie-ups. However, the force is not going into detail about how it will handle what’s expected to be massive crowds.

“Vancouver Police facilitate and monitor many protests, demonstrations, and public events every year. We look at all possibilities and if an event requires additional attention, we are well prepared and can adjust resources as necessary. Our priority is ensuring Vancouver is a safe place to live, work, and visit,” says VPD Constable Jason Doucette. “We will have a visible presence to keep the peace, provide a safe environment, and limit any negative impact on the general public. The safety of those attending the function, the general public, and police is our top priority.”

The rallies are expected to cause major traffic disruptions throughout the day in Vancouver’s downtown core. Keep it on NEWS 1130 for the latest and for updates in Traffic every 10 minutes on the ones.