7:34Listen to Toronto spokesperson Brad Ross talk to As It Happens host Carol Off

A Toronto city spokesperson says the massive police and security presence at a downtown park was meant to protect city workers and people living in tents in case protests turned violent.

Dozens of police officers and private security guards turned up at Trinity Bellwoods Park on Tuesday with vehicles, drones, security fencing and other equipment to evict 20 to 25 people living in a homeless encampment.

At first, the park’s residents refused to leave, arguing the city’s shelter system is unsafe. Their supporters formed a human chain around the encampment.