Vancouver police warn promoters that they must cover law-enforcement costs from unsanctioned events
The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms guarantees freedom of association and freedom of expression on public property.
But that doesn't mean that people are off the hook financially if they suddenly decide to hold a rave or impromptu concert in a park without the city's authorization.
Today, the Vancouver Police Department warned promoters that the cops will try to cover law-enforcement costs in connection with "unsanctioned events".
It comes less than a week after a 23-year-old man fell to his death near Siwash Rock during an unsanctioned rave in Stanley Park.
"Warm summer weather means police see a number of large, unsanctioned gatherings take place in the city and in our parks, such as bike raves and outdoor music events, that have a negative impact on the surrounding neighbourhoods and put people’s safety at risk," the VPD states on its website. "By requesting a permit, police are able to plan their resources ahead of time to help you and your guests celebrate your event safely."
Special events include demonstrations, parades, walks, runs, sporting events, film shoots, and other activities that may require a police presence. Information on how to obtain permits is available on the city website.
The VPD offers $500 grants to some nonprofit groups to bring down policing costs.
Comments
5 Comments
Jon Q. Publik
May 28, 2015 at 3:32pm
I can see this going well:
Dear VPD, please come help police our drug and alcohol fuelled rave event happening on X date at X location from X time to X time.
Yeah this is never going to happen.
Lagomorph
May 28, 2015 at 4:08pm
Somehow I imagine banks will still be receiving their "policing services" for free.
Frustrated
May 29, 2015 at 8:08am
Actually by requesting a permit you will be held up in the long bureaucratic process, triple or quadruple your event costs (even if it is only for 100 people), be under super strict almost impossible to follow rules which if you cannot enforce you will have your permit yanked (enforcing no smoking or drinking... something everyone does at the beach every day) and did I mention that it takes forever?!
If you want to stop having so many unsanctioned events... make it easier, cheaper and less of a headache to hold them!
Madster
May 29, 2015 at 10:05am
That would be a nice piece of advice if the City and VPD actually had a history and reputation of making it possible to put on an authorized outdoor (or even indoor) rave, party or other such gathering, but as with children, if they know they will get an automatic "No" they just stop asking and start doing what they want behind their parents back anyway.
Wing man
Aug 16, 2015 at 9:25am
Get organized people! If you want to have these kind of events, find an appropriate location (private property works best) lobby the city council, work with police, hire security etc... Then if they don't work with you, you can throw your protest party in the woods somewhere away from residential neighbourhoods. There are permits for a multitude of reasons...