Canadian cities shut down 'Occupy' protests

OTTAWA: Police and city workers shut down Occupy protests in Ottawa and Toronto early Wednesday as the first snow of the season blanketed the capital.

Demonstrators in both city centers were given eviction notices on Monday.

In Ottawa, only 25 protestors were left in Confederation Park across from city hall when police showed up to enforce the order. Eight were arrested for trespassing, said a statement.

Tents, garbage, debris, furniture and other items were also removed from Toronto's Saint James Park as police used loudspeakers to urge protestors to adhere to a court order to clear out.

And in Vancouver, protesters simply moved to another park after being forcibly evicted from a square outside the downtown art gallery, said public broadcaster CBC.

The protesters were inspired by the Occupy Wall Street movement that erupted in New York's Zuccotti Park in September, triggering copycat demonstrations across the United States and abroad against corporate greed. (AFP)