To all business owners

On Friday, March 15, 2019, the Collectif opposé à la brutalité policière (COBP) is planning a demonstration in Montreal for the 23^rd annual day against police brutality.

Although the organizers have still not provided their itinerary, we have reason to believe that the 2019 event will start with a rally at Place Normand Bethune, which is at the intersection of de Maisonneuve Ouest and Guy, at 6 pm, followed by the demonstration at 7 pm.

The Service de police de la Ville de Montréal (SPVM) is committed to its citizens’ freedom of expression and their right to demonstrate. They are concerned about the safety of the people who participate in popular demonstrations, as well as residents, citizens and nearby business owners.

With this in mind, the SPVM will take all the necessary measures to ensure that it runs smoothly, in accordance with the laws and regulations in effect.

To this end, we encourage you to put these prevention tips into practice:

• Contact 9-1-1 for any emergencies. Do not intervene yourself.
• Be vigilant and report any events that seem abnormal or threatening to 9-1-1 as quickly as possible.
• Avoid leaving furniture or objects that could be used as projectiles outside your business.
• Remove objects that prevent you from seeing inside your business.
• Keep the inside and outside of your business well lit.
• Make sure you secure your establishment and use your protective screens, if you have them, when you close your business.
• During the demonstration, consider closing your business for safety reasons. 
• If you have an alarm system and / or video cameras, make sure they are operational.
• Pay attention to the news and social media regarding developments about this event.
• Inform yourself about the status of the demonstration by following the events through twitter.com/SPVM or by consulting our website at www.spvm.qc.ca. You can also use these channels to share your images and / or comments with us.

For any additional information, do not hesitate to contact a community relations officer from your neighbourhood police station.