City of Vancouver says 4/20 event cost thousands more than last year

The City of Vancouver says this year’s 4/20 event cost taxpayers thousands of dollars more than last year.

The city, Park Board and Vancouver Police Department have now tallied costs and say as a result of “organizers’ decision to host the event in two locations, with larger attendance than previous years, additional resources were required to ensure the safety of the public.”

The costs break down as follows (not including regular staff time):

Vancouver Police Department                                 $99,400

Vancouver Park Board                                            $24,000

Streets and Sanitation                                            $13,600

Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services                        $6,900

Traffic, Special Events & Emergency Management    $4,100

TOTAL                                                                  $148,000
In 2015, the total combined costs associated with the event at the Vancouver Art Gallery, which did not include the Park Board, were $92,500.

The City of Vancouver and the Park Board say they will continue to work with organizers to find an appropriate venue for any future 4/20 events.