TransLink granted injunction to stop protesters from obstructing SkyTrain
Posted February 19, 2020 4:19 pm.
Last Updated February 19, 2020 4:55 pm.
VANCOUVER: TransLink has been granted an injunction to prevent protesters from physically obstructing, interfering or impeding its SkyTrain facilities.
The injunction applies only to SkyTrain facilities, including Commercial-Broadway station, where a protest is planned for Wednesday evening.
“TransLink has been granted an injunction to prevent protesters from physically obstructing, interfering, or otherwise impeding its SkyTrain facilities,” says a release from TransLink.
“While TransLink supports the right to peaceful protest, the safety of our customers and our staff is our priority and we must protect the hundreds of thousands of people who rely on the Expo, Millennium, and Canada Lines.”
TransLink advises that bus customers should be aware the injunction will not prevent protests at the intersection by the SkyTrain station and they should be prepared for bus detours and delays.
The protest, called “intersection action,” is planned for 5 p.m. and is being hosted by Climate Convergence Metro Vancouver in solidarity with the Wet’suwet’en and in opposition to the Coastal GasLink and Trans Mountain pipeline projects.
“Stop harassing Indigenous communities and land defenders everywhere,” says a Facebook event by Climate Convergence.
“Join us as we continue to mobilize against these two Indigenous rights and climate killing pipeline mega-projects.Let’s keep building the momentum and the movement!”
TransLink filed an injunction application with the BC Supreme Court earlier in the day and initially sought to prevent protesters from occupying any of its facilities.
The transit authority’s lawyers listed safety as their prime concern for the injunction.
The Commercial-Broadway station is one of the busiest in the SkyTrain system, according to TransLink, with more than 25,000 customers who travel through each day.
About 300 protesters are blocked the intersection at Cambie Street and Broadway in an anti-pipeline demonstration last week.
