Anti-war protesters took to the streets of downtown Vancouver on Saturday to criticize Canada's war in Afghanistan, much to the dismay of stranded motorists.
Vancouver police kept the peace as roughly 50 people blocked the intersection at Robson and Burrard streets shortly after 2 p.m., blocking city busses and traffic for about 15 minutes.
Participants from the Stop War coalition shouted slogans such as "Homes yes, troops no" and "Schools yes, bombs no" as they stood with signs and an elaborate prop portraying Stephen Harper as a ghoulish vampire.
A protestor with a megaphone urged pedestrians to join in as the group marched west down Robson Street.
"Maybe you should take time out of your shopping, or whatever you're doing on this beautiful day, and march with us," he called.
No violence or traffic accidents have been reported.
Canadian troops were sent to Afghanistan in early 2002. Involvement ramped up in 2006 as troops were moved to Kandahar province, and more than 2,300 Canadian Forces personnel are currently deployed.
There have been 146 Canadian Forces casualties so far.
