It was an opposition blackout as supporters of the Kitsilano Coast Guard station rallied outside a gathering of federal conservatives.

While the dozen or so demonstrators carried signs and held placards outside, those inside the Richmond Sheraton Hotel would hardly have noticed.

That's because a makeshift barrier was set up at an entrance with a black curtain, blocking their view of the protest.

"They've dropped the curtain on the Conservative Party and on seeing any protest, and I think their job as members of parliament and the members of the party who support them should be to say okay, someone has a difference of opinion with us, let's talk about it."

That's organizer, Bill Tieleman.

While the group insists closing Kits will cost lives, the federal government is moving ahead with the planned closure next year.