In wake of Vancouver tragedy, Toronto renews funding to enhance safety at festivals

CTV News

26-05-2025

Paraders march down Lakeshore Boulevard at the Caribbean Carnival in Toronto on Saturday, August 3, 2013. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Michelle Siu
TORONTO — Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow says the city will allocate $2.1 million this year to help festivals stay secure, after 11 people were killed in a vehicle ramming at Vancouver's Lapu Lapu Day festival last month.
Chow announced the renewal of a special events funding program at an event today that gathered about 150 festival organizers and security experts to discuss safety.
She says what happened in Vancouver at the festival organized by Filipino BC was heartbreaking.
But she says people in Toronto must not let fear dictate their lives, and the city will work with festivals to ensure they are successful and safe.
Chow says the city will also provide a $100,000 seed grant and technical assistance for festival organizers to create a nonprofit association that can promote their interests.
The City of Toronto says it will also share new resources to support event planning and delivery.
Written by Maan Alhmidi, The Canadian Press