Greenpeace members climb Olympic Stadium tower in Montreal to protest Trans Mountain

At least three Greenpeace members climbed the outside of the Olympic Stadium tower in Montreal on Thursday to protest the Trans Mountain pipeline.

READ MORE: Alberta government to survey 20,000 Canadians still on the fence about Trans Mountain pipeline

The climbers, who were equipped with cables and harnesses, began their ascent just after dawn.

They said they planned to unfurl a banner at the top of the 165-metre-tall structure as a message for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Get weekly money news

Get expert insights, Q&A on markets, housing, inflation, and personal finance information delivered to you every Saturday.

Sign up for weekly money newsletter Sign Up

By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

As of 8:40 a.m., the climbers were about 60 metres off the ground and began to unroll their sign, which read, Stop Pipelines, Don’t Dirty Our Money.

Police cordoned off the area below, and tourists and employees were barred from the stadium.

Montreal police spokeswoman Caroline Chevrefils said the Greenpeace members would be arrested for public mischief once they were back on the ground.

READ MORE: Prime minister’s youth council split over Trans Mountain pipeline purchase

The federal government recently said it would spend $4.5 billion to take over the Trans Mountain project.

Greenpeace says Ottawa’s role goes against its international commitments to reducing pollution emissions.

WATCH BELOW: Canadians divided on government buying Trans Mountain pipeline

2:04 Canadians divided on government buying Trans Mountain pipeline