VANCOUVER — A recent review of public safety at outdoor events in Vancouver has concluded that the Lapu Lapu Day street festival was assessed as low risk prior to a tragic vehicle-ramming attack that resulted in 11 fatalities. The report indicates that the planning for the Filipino cultural festival adhered to established protocols, including the creation of a safety plan. The risk assessment was deemed appropriate, partly due to the success of the festival's inaugural event in 2024.

Mayor Ken Sim stated that the report serves as a guide to enhance planning and preparation for public gatherings, ensuring their safety. It includes eight recommendations, such as developing guidelines for “hostile vehicle mitigation” at special events and expanding training and resources for event planners. Additionally, the report suggests creating a framework specific to Vancouver for implementing permanent safety measures against potential attacks in public spaces.

Premier David Eby expressed his support for the insights provided by the police and city officials, hoping the report will assist the province in preventing future incidents. "It’s an issue being grappled with around the world, and we’re going to make sure that British Columbia is leading the way in terms of prevention and response," Eby said during a news conference in Surrey.

The report notes that approximately 50,000 people attended this year’s Lapu Lapu Day festival. Adam Kai-Ji Lo has been charged with driving an SUV into a crowd of festival attendees on April 26, leading to the deaths. He faces 11 counts of second-degree murder. Legal arguments regarding Lo's fitness to stand trial concluded last month, but a publication ban currently restricts reporting on evidence from the hearing. A media consortium has challenged this ban, with decisions on both the challenge and the fitness hearing expected on September 10.

In the wake of the attack, the province appointed former B.C. Supreme Court Chief Justice Christopher Hinkson to review safety measures at public events. Hinkson’s report, released in July, recommends that all public events, regardless of size, undergo a risk assessment. It also calls for improved inter-agency coordination and the establishment of a provincial events hub for sharing information and advice. B.C.’s Minister of State for Community Safety, Terry Yung, stated that the province aims to swiftly implement the recommendations.