A local group against police violence and other forms of systemic and institutional racism will be holding a demonstration.

Monday at 7pm, Not One More Death will be protesting to replace security guards at city hall.

Spokesperson with Not One More Death, Kate Rookes, explains the alternative the group is suggesting.

“Really it’s a proposal to replace security guards at city hall, and the over policing and surveillance of people at city hall, we’re hoping to replace that with grandmothers.”

Rookes goes on to explain the logistics of the change.

“In order to create this kind of safe warm atmosphere, we propose that the grandmothers be paid and trained to learn de-escalation techniques or even paired with social workers who have skills.” said Rookes, “Like I said, it’s a collaborative effort and we’re still in the planning stages.”

Not One More Death is arguing the area out front of city hall is a public space, yet security guards criminalize people who use the space. The group says these people are mostly elderly, racialized, disabled, or homeless people.

Kate Rookes says this is not a protest against security guards.

“We’re not attacking security guards specifically themselves, it’s the policy of the city that we are taking issue with, so we’re kind of proposing alternatives.”

Not One More Death’s proposal goes into explaining why grandmothers would be a suitable alternative to security guards, citing they are trustworthy, nurturing, know how to repair what is broken, and have a lot of life experience.

The demonstration tonight at city hall will feature a panel of grandmothers drinking tea and discussing how to create grassroots community safety. Included in the event will be local two-spirit elder Ma-Nee Chacaby and filmmaker Michelle DeRosier.

The public is welcome and will have an opportunity to ask questions.