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UPDATED: Eco warriors shut down Douglas Street at Fort Street in protest

Environmentalists to call on banks to divert investments into green infrastructure
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Protesters marched down Douglas Street in a coordinated protest for Earth Day.

Inspired by the Extinction Rebellion protests in the UK, which have seen hundreds of protesters occupying an important London bridge and roads, the groups plan a day of resistance and direct action.

The protest shut down parts of downtown as a group of about 150 people stood in the intersection of Douglas and Fort streets for over 20 minutes around noon on Monday.

Stopping at various banks along the route to protest their investment into fossil fuel expansion, protesters even took out their bank cards at one point and destroyed them in a public display of condemnation.

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The midday demonstrations were organized by local groups Rise and Resist and Extinction Rebellion – Vancouver Island.

The demonstration included a theatrical street procession, presided over by the Rebel Earth Goddess Velvet Unicorn, a colourful parade float, adorned with native vegetation from Lekwungen territory.

Street performances and “invisible theatre” were planned, as well as bystanders being encouraged to join in shouting slogans at the banks and their workers.



nick.murray@peninsulanewsreview.com

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