Grand Prix Weekend Protests

Demonstrators Face Increased Police Presence

NewsNicolas Quiazua (Le Délit), Translated by Colin Harris — Published June 14, 2012

Montreal’s annual Formula One Grand Prix was held from June 7 to 10 this year on Sainte Hélène Island, amid daily manifestations in the city streets. Protesters stormed the sporting event, which they claimed was elitist and sexist.

Thursday to Sunday, an increased presence from the Service de police de la Ville de Montréal faced strong resistance from the demonstrations, which took many forms over the course of the weekend.

Grand Prix attendees saw naked demos, heard the clattering of the “casseroles” and faced nightly marches in the city—notably through the club district around Crescent St. and Ste. Catherine St. W., where many evening F1 festivities were being held.

The demonstrations made it impossible for tourists in town for the Grand Prix to ignore the social demands that have now been raging in Quebec for more than three months.

Gathered on Crescent St., they witnessed smoke bombs, smashed police cruiser windows and dozens of arrests.