Protests, big police presence as Trump Tower opens in Vancouver

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – A couple hundred people carrying anti-Trump signs took part in a protest outside the new Trump International Hotel & Tower on Georgia Street in Downtown Vancouver, while the US president’s family slipped in the backdoor for the building’s official opening today.

With protesters chanting out front, it looks like the #Trump boys just slipped quietly in through the back alley pic.twitter.com/PKQMkfnY3J

— Kurtis Doering (@KDnewsguy) February 28, 2017

The $360 million development, was designed by the late architect Arthur Erickson and it had a soft launch last month.

Trump’s sons, Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump and his daughter Tiffany were on hand today for the official grand opening. Trump Jr. took to the stage first and made a crack about the media. “I’d like to thank the press — just kidding. It’s great to see you here. I’m shocked. I’m absolutely shocked,” he quipped. “But no, it’s great to be here. This has been an amazing journey.”

Eric also addressed reporters. “Vancouver is truly one of the great cities in the world. It’s truly one of the most beautiful places in the world and it was so fitting for the Trump brand, something that we really hold in the highest esteem.”

The tower was built by developer Joo Kim Tiah, the president and CEO of Holborn Group, who is the son of one of Malaysia’s wealthiest businessmen. The Trump Organization does not own the tower, but licensed its name for branding and marketing, while the Trump Hotel Collection operates the 147-room hotel.

The crowd as of 10am outside Trump Tower @NEWS1130 #TrumpVancouver pic.twitter.com/hgGspxGIty

— James Cybulski (@cballnews) February 28, 2017

There will be speeches and music at 3 p.m. at the tower, while another rally is planned for 4 p.m. at Jack Poole Plaza when protesters will march to the US Consulate.

Heavy police presence controls crowds

Some protesters sang the national anthem while heated arguments erupted between anti and pro-Trump supporters.

Victor Paquette takes issue with protesters questioning why don’t they focus on local issues @NEWS1130 #TrumpVancouver pic.twitter.com/KuNimS52yR

— James Cybulski (@cballnews) February 28, 2017

Vancouver Police have a visible presence at the site and will be on hand for any protests to help keep the peace and to handle any potential traffic tie-ups. However, the force is not going into detail about how it will handle what’s expected to be massive crowds.

“Vancouver Police facilitate and monitor many protests, demonstrations, and public events every year. We look at all possibilities and if an event requires additional attention, we are well prepared and can adjust resources as necessary. Our priority is ensuring Vancouver is a safe place to live, work, and visit,” says VPD Constable Jason Doucette. “We will have a visible presence to keep the peace, provide a safe environment, and limit any negative impact on the general public. The safety of those attending the function, the general public, and police is our top priority.”

The rallies today are expected to cause major traffic disruptions throughout the day in Vancouver’s downtown core. Keep it on NEWS 1130 for the latest and for updates in Traffic every 10 minutes on the ones.

How Trump’s brand may be impacted in Vancouver

Are polarizing presidential politics going to affect business at the newest addition to Vancouver’s skyline? It turns out the fickle world of high-end hospitality may not tolerate too much dissent outside Trump Tower itself. Protesters may hold some power — at least in the short-term.

Western University Ivey Business School Marketing Professor June Cotte says while the greater public may not be able to afford to stay at a Trump hotel, they can have a powerful impact on the enterprise.

She adds high-end, exclusive clientele are usually looking for a discreet experience. “If I’m going to choose between another luxury brand, like a Four Seasons for example than a Trump brand, why wouldn’t I choose that doesn’t have riot police in front of the property?”

Meanwhile, SFU Beedie School of Business Marketing Professor Lindsay Meredith says the business of catering to the ultra-rich is an intricate dance, where the slightest misstep for a luxury brand could hurt its reputation very much. “All of these have to work well. You can’t just have an outstanding hotel. It’s got to have a crystal clean image as well.”