Community Update l July 10, 2025
The Government of British Columbia has released the Commission of Inquiry into Community Events Safety in B.C., a report studying how all community events across the province can be made safer.
It’s important to note that the violence that occurred following the Lapu Lapu Day Festival on April 26, 2025, is the subject of a criminal investigation and is not part of the Commission’s mandate. This report was specifically made to:
“inquire into and report on measures to protect and strengthen public security and safety at community events;
to provide information and make recommendations”
The report notes that the City of Vancouver has developed a thorough and sophisticated permitting process and comprehensive planning protocols. It’s highlighted as a model for municipalities across B.C. As organizers of the Lapu Lapu Day Festival, Filipino BC worked closely with the City to ensure requirements were met, including all safety protocols outlined following a Vancouver Police Department Risk Assessment. Among the Commission’s recommendations is that all events are supported by a similar risk assessment.
We hope the Commission’s report has relieved some feelings of uncertainty among event organizers running festivals across the province this summer. We are also looking forward to seeing how the B.C. Government will support organizers amid rising security, safety and other costs.
The many festivals and special events across B.C. allow us to celebrate our culture and community, and in the wake of the tragedy, they have become a vital part of collective healing.
