EDMONTON - Police will not remove Occupy Edmonton protesters upon the expiry of a Sunday night deadline to vacate a downtown lot.

On Saturday, Melcor Developments Ltd. issued a notice to Occupy Edmonton protesters saying those who remain on their property at Jasper Ave. and 102nd St. after 11 p.m. on Sunday will be “subject to removal by lawful means.”

After an emergency meeting Saturday evening, group spokesman Mike Hudema said the group planned to “resist this eviction attempt.”

Edmonton police have will not intervene in what they view as a “conflict situation between the protesters and Melcor,” said Acting Insp. Graham Hogg on Sunday.

“Police will not be removing protesters tonight,” Hogg said. “Our goal of a peaceful outcome still stands. They recognize that they must downsize, but I don’t think they will completely de-camp.”

Hogg said police are hoping to bring both sides together in a resolution conference facilitated by the Alberta Conflict Transformation Society, an offer that Occupy Edmonton demonstrators have thus far rejected.

“That offer is always on the table,” Hogg said.

The notice sent by Melcor informs Occupy Edmonton participants that the company will file a complaint with the city and ask that Edmonton Police Service officers help with the eviction. The letter includes a provision to delay action if the demonstrators agree to submit a plan to dismantle their site.

“Melcor will defer this notice if the authorized representatives of Occupy Edmonton provide Melcor and the EPS a specific plan of action with acceptable dates for the orderly, peaceful and safe dismantling of the Occupy Edmonton facilities and property on the site,” the notice reads.

In the reasons for the notice, Melcor cites “public health and safety,” as well as potential liability issues from unauthorized use of their land. The company says they will help store property in a location specified by the group “to the extent reasonable,” and will work with social agencies to ensure everyone receives safe accommodation.

An online petition created in response to Melcor’s notice had close to 4,000 signatures by noon on Sunday.