Saturday saw the beginning of the third week of Occupy Ottawa, and with it came some controversy. Internal strife came to a head as certain factions were forced out of the camp, and one occupier was allegedly sexually assaulted. However, concerns that these incidents might signal cracks in the demonstrators solidarity are not backed up by the activity in the camp at the beginning of this week.
On Monday, visitors from Occupy Montreal were busy at work. The tent city continues to grow, and warmth is becoming a problem. To alleviate this problem, the representatives from Montreal were intent on helping the demonstrator buld a tee pee in Confederation Park. During lunch hour, other demonstrators were erecting a new, bigger kitcen tent for the community, and a warming tent had been constructed, so that during the cold nights, occupiers could, when necesssary, escape the cold by a kerosene heater.
Still, security concerns have been a significant topic on the grounds and online. The demonstration has attracted a wide array of participants, many of whom are street-involved. Occupy Ottawa has welcomed all comers, but this open attitude has led to the camp being portrayed as little more than a squatters resort for the homeless, the mentally ill and the addicted. For a movement with an inherent anarchist bent (they are, remember, breaking the law), trying to maintain order and impose any sort of rules is difficult.
The most serious incidient, the alleged sexual assault, resulted in street justice, with the alleged perpetrator being dragged in his tent out of the park and into the street, while the secuirty committee worked with the victim to decide on the best course of action. From the very beginning, the movement has worked with the police, and, when necessary, called them into the camp to ensure everyone's safety. However, with their numbers growing, risks are elevated and not everyone will have the same opinion as to the best way to ensure safety. This is complicated when drugs and alcohol become involved, even though the demonstration has a strict no alcohol and no drugs policy.
Speaking with one of the organizers today, it is clear that they take all these incidents seriously, though they claim that not all the information that is reaching the media is accurate. Aside from preparing for winter, safety in the camp has become the paramount concern. The organizers understand that with any rapidly-growing community, there are going to be problems, but there is confidence in the camp that these issues will be dealt with by the community at large and, when necessary, by the police.
On Monday, there was still a palpable positive energy at the camp. It remains to be seen how this atmosphere will persist as the community grows.
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