The City of St. John’s, Metrobus and Downtown St. John’s are pleased to support the rally against the closure of the Maritime Rescue Centre on Saturday, June 25 at 11:30 a.m., which will also feature entertainment from performers Shannyganock.

Please be advised in order to facilitate this event the City will close Harbour Drive between Clift’s/Bairds Cove and Job’s Cove (Prescott Street) from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. to accommodate the rally. Harbour Drive will temporarily be designated “No Parking – Tow Away” from Ayres Cove to Job’s Cove (both sides) until 1:30 p.m. as well.

“It is important that this rally take place at our Harbour because as you look out through the narrows you can see exactly why the Maritime Rescue Centre is so important to the workers of our province who deal with our rough, choppy waters on a daily basis,” says Ward 1 Councillor Danny Breen. “Taking into consideration the parking issues and tight streets in our downtown we are pleased as a City to be able to take steps that will make this a safe rally for all residents who choose to attend.”

Metrobus has announced that it is offering free transportation to the public rally. Shuttles will run on a load and go basis from Confederation Building and the Newfoundland & Labrador Housing Corporation building on Canada Drive (at Columbus Drive) beginning at 10 a.m. Return shuttles to both locations will be available immediately following the rally.

More details about the free shuttle service can be found on Metrobus Transit’s website at www.metrobus.com or by calling Ride Guide at 722-9400.

Metrobus employees and members of the Amalgamated Transit Union local 1462 have volunteered their time to make this free shuttle service available.

“I was very pleased that when we approached Metrobus and the union they were both eager to work together to make this happen. It’s great to see our employees come together and volunteer their time to offer this service which will help make the rally a success,” said Councillor At Large Tom Hann. “This event is very important for our province and we need to show our support for keeping the rescue centre in the region.”

The City is hoping residents will step up and make their voices heard by attending the rally on Saturday.

“I’ve said it over and over, to get this decision overturned is going to take a real outcry from everyone in our province,” says Mayor Dennis O’Keefe. “I hope residents will come out Saturday and show their support.”