Residents Return to the Pope Squat Photos & Report by Gary Morton - Nov.2.2002

Marchers Return

   Residents made a strong return to the Pope Squat today before noon. They removed the boarding and went back inside a door security left unlocked.

   A bitter wind was blowing, and I was out front of the squat talking to two security guards and a minister … asking about the cats that lived there. The guards said six to eight cats are still around the squat. Though one old black one is still missing and the squatter woman who owns it has been looking for it. Six of the others are owned by another pope squat resident and are homeless while she is kicked out of the squat. She is back in now. I don’t know for how long. One of the photos below shows one of the cats returning to the squat.

   Conversation shifted to the squatters. The guards said they supported the goals of the squatters, and believe there is a bad housing problem in the city. I might’ve added that kicking people out when it is very cold is a cruel solution. Instead I said that the squatters are returning … I passed them on my bike on the way here. Seconds later the marchers showed at the corner and the guards got scared and ran off to notify the police.

   The crowd marched straight up to the front walk, tore off the boards and went inside. A general air of victory animated the people, and before long the residents were looking out windows, up to the third floor.

   In one stupid display, a cat that had been caged inside by security was brought out and set free. And I say stupid because it didn’t have to be let out in the cold. They could have freed it inside and gave it some food instead of using it for a political stunt.

   A lot of cops showed and were still there when I left. I have no idea whether they plan to let the residents stay or whether they will move in with force again. I donated a bag of food for the cats, and if the residents are again removed the animals will be outside the squat hiding here and there … so people that want to feed them can leave food at 1510 King West, Toronto … or go down and support the squatters there. And if you do you need really warm clothing as the wind from the lake is wicked.

>>>>>>>>>Update: As of 3.30 pm police and the fire department moved in. After negotiation the Fire Marshal's office agreed to a Monday meeting with the Ontario Coalition Against Poverty and the squatters. In exchange the squatters have left the building (although as a gesture of good faith the building was not locked up). PARC is working to find housing for the squatters for the weekend. Individuals arrested yesterday at the eviction have been released.<<<<<<<<<<<
 

report by Gary Morton
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