Pubdate: Tue, 16 Feb 2016
Source: Metro (Vancouver, CN BC)
Copyright: 2016 Metro Canada
Contact:  http://www.metronews.ca/vancouver
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3775
Author: Matt Kieltyka
Page: 4

4/20 PROTEST SAFER AFTER MOVE: CITY MANAGER

Vancouver's acting city manager believes the 4/20 marijuana protest's 
move to Sunset Beach is a safer option than its traditional home 
outside the Vancouver Art Gallery.

After clashing with the city over permitting and location last year, 
4/20 organizers announced this year's April 20 event will happen at 
Sunset Beach Park.

This led to Vancouver park board chair Sarah Kirby-Yung writing to 
Mayor Gregor Robertson on Monday to officially oppose holding the 
rally at Sunset Beach.

"The Board does not support 4/20 taking place at Sunset Beach," wrote 
Kirby-Yung. "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 
By-law prohibiting smoking."

In a statement released to media, acting city manager Sadhu Johnston 
denied the city advised organizers on where to stage the protest, 
which draws crowds of thousands.

Still, Johnston's statement indicated Sunset Beach is a better 
alternative to the art gallery lawn.

"The 4/20 protest event has outgrown its current location at the VAG, 
become incredibly disruptive and increasingly unsafe," Johnston said.

"Since last fall, city staff, including from the park board, have 
been working with the organizers on a public safety plan as this 
remains our number one priority. It is our expectation that this 
year's event will require fewer city resources due to its new 
location which is outside of the downtown core and not near any major roads."
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom