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Paula Partner, general manager at World Exchange Plaza, didn’t disagree with Holmes’ description of events, but said the building has a policy.

“It has to be organized in advance,” said Partner, who was reached by phone after the flash mob fail. “They didn’t have permission.”

When pressed to explain, Partner abruptly ended the conversation. Shaun Little, director of communications for the Toronto firm Bentall Kennedy, which manages the property, called back shortly after. He said the company has no problem with arts groups or others who want to use its spaces, but they have to let the building know ahead of time.

“It is private property,” Little said. “Safety, security, and liability are a concern. At the same time, we recognize the value of spontaneity, and we would certainly have been more than happy to have a conversation with the organizers of today’s event, and have it happen in a way that was safe and secure for everyone. But clearly this was rehearsed and planned and promoted through social media well in advance, so it’s not like it was completely spur of the moment. It’s unfortunate the organizers didn’t use that time to do a bit of research and reach out to us.”

Festival co-ordinator Ruby Clifford has planned several of the stunts and says this is the first time she has encountered this problem.

“It’s just a spot where people bring their lunch,” Clifford said. “We weren’t going to be interfering with any buskers or anyone’s business or income, so why not entertain them? It’s a bit ridiculous, honestly. The good thing is we were able to move somewhere that had even more traffic, so that was beneficial.”

The Festival will hold a final flash mob on Saturday, June 7, at 12:30 p.m., at the corner of George and William streets in the Market. Because it’s a licensed busking location, organizers say they got permission from the ByWard Market Business Improvement Area.