HALIFAX, Nova Scotia, Nov. 11 (UPI) -- Occupy Nova Scotia protesters were told Friday they must leave a Halifax park because they're violating a camping ban, officials said.
An eviction order was delivered to the protesters at Victoria Park Friday, the Canadian Broadcasting Corp. reported.
"The time has come for the encampment to end," Mayor Peter Kelly said in a statement. "Our parks are for all of the public, not an unregulated campground for some."
Occupy protesters had moved to Victoria Park last weekend after agreeing to leave Grand Parade for Remembrance Day events and had planned to return to downtown park Saturday.
But Kelly said "camping will not be permitted in the Grand Parade or any (Halifax Regional Municipality) park."
Meanwhile, Occupy Toronto protesters at an encampment in St. James Park have faced growing criticism from residents and businesses, the CBC said.
Patrick McMurray, owner of the Starfish Oyster Bed and Grill on Adelaide Street East, said revenues for business have dropped significantly since the protesters began camping in the park Oct. 15.
"There's fires going on, there's open drugs and drinking, they're living in a park, which I believe is illegal," McMurray said. "You're allowed to protest any time you want to. You just can't live in a park."
"I don't want you there, you're ruining the neighborhood," one resident shouted to protesters.
"I'm telling you that I live upstairs and I can't sleep because you guys are so loud," said another.
Toronto Mayor Rob Ford has said he wants the protesters to leave, and officials have suggested the city could begin taking steps to move them next week.
Protesters said they don't plan to leave the park.
