City of St. John's employee Bob Smart talks with a small group of peaceful Occupy NL protestors as the city of St. John's takes back Harbourside Park on Wednesday, May 16, 2012.Paul Daly/THE CANADIAN PRESS
It is all quiet on the St. John's, Nfld., waterfront as Occupy NL protesters left little physical trace of their seven-month camp for economic and social equality.
It was one of the only permanent camps left in North America after officials in most major cities, including Vancouver and Toronto, tore down other sites.
St. John's Mayor Dennis O'Keefe had asked the campers to clear out by midnight Tuesday or face city parks officials this morning.
Occupy NL leader Thomas Clarke says the demonstrators cleaned up ahead of schedule to stress that this is a peaceful, inclusive movement that's here to stay.
He says the Occupy message of sharing and democratic reform has been heard and will resonate in the province.
Mr. O'Keefe has offered space at city hall for Occupy meetings but says it's time to get Harbourside Park ready for summer events.