File photo: Victoria Johnson Street Bridge
A protest called the “Bridge Sit-in & Vigil 4 a Liveable Climate Future!” is taking place Monday and aims to block the Johnson Street bridge.
The event says the rally will begin in Centennial Square at 5:30 p.m. and walk slowly and peacefully to the bridge.
They will then form a circle, light candles and block traffic for 12-minutes as a symbol for the 12 years they say we have to turn around the climate crisis.
They add that there will also be a two minute moment of silence to acknowledge the depth of the climate emergency.
“We’re here to show the federal and provincial governments and their corporate partners that business-as-usual is no longer an option. We’re through standing idly by while politicians and CEO’s put their career goals ahead of our collective survival. We’re taking charge of the situation, and we’ll do whatever it takes to see bold, immediate climate action,” said Howard Breen, organizer for Extinction Rebellion-Vancouver Island in a statment.
Victoria police are advising the public of traffic delays and say they will work to minimize the impact it will have.
Officers said in a release that “the right to safe, peaceful and lawful protest is protected by law. However, officers have reminded participants that blocking a highway as part of a protest is unlawful.”
The event is hosted by Rise and Resist! and Extinction Rebellion-Vancouver Island. They chose the day as it coincides with the COP 24 event, the annual UN Climate Change conference taking place in Katowice, Poland.
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