Photos Show The Aftermath Of The Destructive Old Montreal Anti-Curfew Protest
As Montreal takes stock of the damages in the wake of Sunday night's anti-curfew protest in Old Montreal, local business owners told MTL Blog that they're disappointed at the extent of the destruction.
The SPVM said it issued over 100 fines and arrested seven people. More protests are planned in the coming days.
Editor's Choice: Here's What Montreal's Anti-Curfew Protest Last Night Looked Like Live (VIDEO)
Lea Bardakji from Camtec Photo said she and her team were "very upset" that some protestors damaged small businesses, especially as they continue to struggle due to the pandemic.
[rebelmouse-image 26879284 photo_credit="MTL Blog" expand=1 original_size="4032x3024"] MTL Blog
She estimated the cost of damages would be "in the thousands" and said the broken windows will also affect the store's public image until they're replaced, which she said could take up to 12 weeks.
[rebelmouse-image 26879285 photo_credit="MTL Blog" expand=1 original_size="4032x3024"] MTL Blog
At one point, protesters started a fire in Place Jacques-Cartier.
[rebelmouse-image 26879286 photo_credit="MTL Blog" expand=1 original_size="4032x3024"] MTL Blog
Toby Lyle, the owner of Brit & Chips on rue McGill, said that he sympathized with protesters' frustration but called damage to small businesses misguided.
[rebelmouse-image 26879287 photo_credit="MTL Blog" expand=1 original_size="4032x3024"] MTL Blog
In an Instagram post, Rooney, a shop on rue Notre-Dame, said its team was saddened by the damage to its storefront.
[rebelmouse-image 26879288 photo_credit="MTL Blog" expand=1 original_size="4032x3024"] MTL Blog
[rebelmouse-image 26879289 photo_credit="MTL Blog" expand=1 original_size="4032x3024"] MTL Blog
On Twitter, Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante called the destruction "unacceptable."
Le grabuge observé dans le Vieux-Montréal hier soir est absolument inacceptable. La fatigue liée à notre lutte cont… https://t.co/rOVWtO5VuT— Valérie Plante (@Valérie Plante) 1618226747.0