B.C. government receives report looking into event safety after Lapu-Lapu Day tragedy

CBC

8 hours ago

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British Columbia's attorney general says the government has received a report from a retired judge on ways to improve safety and security at events after 11 people were killed and many more injured at a Vancouver festival.
Premier David Eby commissioned the inquiry into safety at community events shortly after a vehicle tore through a crowd at the end of the Lapu-Lapu Day celebration on April 26.
Attorney General Niki Sharma said in a statement on Monday that she has the report from former B.C. Supreme Court chief justice Christopher Hinkson, which, after review by cabinet, will be made public.
Sharma said that B.C. experienced one of the worst moments in its history when a senseless act of violence turned a celebration into a tragedy.
B.C. residents understandably raised questions in the aftermath about enhancing public safety so people can feel safe attending and celebrating community events this summer, she said.
The Union of B.C. Municipalities said in a statement that it provided a submission to the inquiry, and its president, Trish Mandewo, met with Hinkson to talk about concerns from local governments.
WATCH | Mayor and police present report on Lapu-Lapu tragedy safety review:
Mayor and police presenting report on Lapu-Lapu tragedy safety review
2 months ago
Duration 17:38
Vancouver's mayor and police department are presenting the findings of their Lapu-Lapu Day festival tragedy safety review Friday morning. CBC will provide reaction and analysis.
Mandewo said in the submission dated June 9 that the province should avoid taking a "one-size-fits-all" framework, since local governments are struggling to address numerous responsibilities, and budgetary impacts could lead to some event cancellations.
"In smaller communities, there may be as few as one staff member in charge of overseeing community events as part of a wide-ranging portfolio of responsibilities.
"Any impact on policing resources would also come with a significant financial impact, as local governments pay the largest share of policing costs in B.C.," said Mandewo, who is also a councillor for the Metro Vancouver city of Coquitlam.
Mandewo's letter said there's also a need for greater mental health support as part of the safety framework.
"UBCM's membership has endorsed resolutions seeking greater provincial investment and support in addressing issues related to mental health, addictions and complex social issues," it said.
One of the key principles they hope to see throughout this process is to "allow local events to reflect local needs," Mandewo said.
"It may also be appropriate for the province to provide funding and resources for smaller communities, to ensure all local governments have a similar level of capacity to deliver community events."
The accused, Adam Kai-Ji Lo, remains in custody while facing numerous charges of second-degree murder.
Vancouver police said last week that six victims were still in hospital two months after the tragedy.
Sharma said the commission was established to provide practical information and recommendations to event organizers, local governments and public safety officials on how to keep events safe.
"I thank Commissioner Hinkson for the work he and his team have done over the past six weeks to enhance and protect our right to gather and celebrate safely and ensure that fear does not prevent communities from coming together," Sharma said in her statement.