NOW Toronto: Who’s afraid of the Occupation?

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Who’s afraid of the Occupation?
Local business owners aren’t united on whether OccupyTO should be evicted

By Ben Spurr


When the city hit Occupy Toronto with eviction notices this week, officials said one reason they decided to take action was because the encampment in St. James Park is hurting surrounding businesses.

But while there’s no doubt profits are down for many businesses bordering the park, there is hardly unanimous pressure coming from shop-owners to shut down the occupation. In fact, some say it’s been a pleasure having them in the neighbourhood.

Occupy Toronto has since won a temporary injunction against the eviction, but on Tuesday morning as bylaw officers and police moved through the park, employees and managers at nearby stores had varying responses when asked if they would be happy to see the protesters pack up camp.

An employee at a hair salon on King Street said the month-old occupation has had no effect on business there. Fred Yee, who owns an organic restaurant at Jarvis and King, also said he’s seen no change in profits, as did an employee at the Arts on King craft store. .............(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.nowtoronto.com/daily/news/story.cfm?content=183776