The Vancouver Park Board says the city cannot allow this year’s 4/20 event to take place at Sunset Beach.
Vancouver Park Board chair Sarah Kirby-Yung wrote to Mayor Gregor Robertson over concerns that the city confirmed Sunset Beach Park to organizers of this year’s 4/20 event without the support of the elected Board of Commissioners. She says the Park Board has sole jurisdiction over parks in the City of Vancouver.
In the letter, Kirby-Yung advised the mayor that elected commissioners have serious concerns regarding the event and that the board does not support 4/20 taking place at Sunset Beach Park or any other park.
“We respectfully request that you direct city staff immediately to work with organizers to identify an alternate location to Sunset Beach, respecting the will of the board and the parks bylaw prohibiting smoking,” said Kirby-Yung.
The Park Board chair requested the mayor provide a meeting time with the appropriate staff to work together to identify an alternate location for a safe and orderly 4/20 event.
She advised that if an alternate location cannot be found, all costs in ensuring public safety, garbage collection and repair of any damage to the park or beach and any legal liability arising for any unfortunate accidents or injuries at the event should be the responsibility of the City of Vancouver.
Organizers of the event announced last week, that a decision was made to change locations to Sunset Beach.
The Facebook page for this year’s event currently has 4,700 people saying they will attend the event with another 1,100 saying they are interested in attending.
Comments