Surrey city council restricts public access due to ‘escalating protests’

Surrey city council’s chambers were emptier than usual Monday night, with public access to the meeting restricted.

Mayor Brenda Locke said council is temporarily restricting the public from attending meetings in person because pro-Palestinian protesters have been causing disruptions.

“Reluctantly, we have had to take this step to move the public outside the gallery, in order to ensure the business of the city continues,” Locke said during Monday’s meeting.

“This is a result of escalating protests. Additional safety measures have been taken including increasing security and police presence to safeguard visitors and staff,” she added.

Locke said council has created a temporary, alternate space for public viewing at City Hall to prevent more disruptions from pro-Palestinian supporters.

“Remember, this council respects the right to protest. However, the right to peaceful assembly does not extend to blockading lawful activities,” she continued.

The temporary measures still allow for registered members of the public to speak on agenda items, Locke explained. However, Locke did not provide a timeline of when they would be rescinded.