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CBC
11-05-2025
- CBC
B.C. festivals re-examine security following Lapu-Lapu Day tragedy
Several B.C. events are moving forward with increased security measures following the recent tragedy at a Filipino street festival in Vancouver. In June, the Pinoy Festival in Burnaby will be marking its third year celebrating Filipino culture and community. Organizers said the event will have a different dynamic this year. "It's a way for us to heal," said Lester de Guzman, one of the festival's directors. "To help our community members to recover from the tragedy and also rise from the ashes." Eleven people were killed and dozens more were injured after an SUV drove into a crowd at the Lapu-Lapu Day block party on April 26. Kai-Ji Adam Lo, 30, has been charged with eight counts of second-degree murder. De Guzman said the Pinoy Festival, which is held at the outdoor Swangard Stadium in Burnaby, will have increased security, volunteers and first-aid responders. De Guzman said despite the recent tragedy, there has been overwhelming support for the group to move forward with the event. "The Filipino community is resilient and also very proud of their culture and also our life here in Canada, and that's, I think, worth celebrating," said de Guzman. The provincial government has appointed a former chief justice to conduct a review of event safety measures and provide recommendations for future events following the Lapu-Lapu Day tragedy. The City of Vancouver is also conducting its own internal review on event safety, with a preliminary report due next week. 'Renewed scrutiny' on security Festival organizers across Metro Vancouver and B.C. also said the tragedy will not stop people from gathering and celebrating this summer. During each of the three nights of the annual Honda Celebration of Light, about 400,000 people flood Vancouver's West End and Kitsilano neigbourhoods. Paul Runnals, one of the event's executive producers, said organizers will revisit their safety plan with "renewed scrutiny" this year. "We don't take it lightly," said Runnals. He said he hopes to be included in the province's review on event safety to discuss and share expertise. Public safety top of mind for summer festival organizers after Lapu-Lapu Day tragedy 2 days ago Duration 2:02 The organizers of two major Vancouver summer festivals say public safety is top of mind following the Lapu-Lapu Day tragedy last month. Those behind the Celebration of Light say they are confident with their plan and more innovative tools are available to improve safety, while an organizer with the Italian Day Festival says they rely on police to determine security. Meera Bains has more. In Kelowna, security at summer festivals also may look a bit different. Renata Mills, the executive director of Festivals Kelowna, said the organization is working on adjusting its security plans. "We definitely started thinking about, what if the worst happens?" Organizers are considering the use of physical barriers, such as cement barricades.
Global News
07-05-2025
- Global News
Probe of B.C. summer event safety to be led by former Supreme Court chief justice
In the wake of the deadly Vancouver Lapu Lapu Day tragedy, B.C. Premier David Eby says the province is commissioning a review of summer event safety, with a report due before the end of June. The province has tapped former B.C. Supreme Court Chief Justice Christopher Hinkston as commissioner to conduct the review in 'a very short period of time.' Eby said the report will detail measures and best practices 'that can be used by community event organizers across the province to maximize safety but not retreat from the fact that we all have to get together and celebrate.' Story continues below advertisement The review comes after 11 people were killed and dozens of others injured on April 26 when an SUV was driven into a packed street festival for Lapu Lapu Day, a Filipino community holiday. Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy Kai-Ji Adam Lo, 30, was arrested at the scene and has since been charged with eight counts of second-degree murder. The incident has since raised major security concerns about the dozens of festivals and events that take over community streets during the busy British Columbia summer. Eby acknowledged that there are some events scheduled to take place before the report's June 30 deadline, including the Pinoy Festival in Burnaby next month. He said the province has already spoken to organizers and 'will be supporting them with what they need to ensure a safe event for everybody.' Eby said the province would release the terms of reference for the review later on Wednesday.
