Pubdate: Wed, 20 Apr 2016
Source: Vancouver 24hours (CN BC)
Copyright: 2016 Vancouver 24 hrs.
Contact: http://vancouver.24hrs.ca/letters
Website: http://vancouver.24hrs.ca/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3837
Author: Eric MacKenzie
Page: 5

CANNABIS DAY TO CONTINUE AT VAG: GROUP

'This Is a Protest and Will Remain So' Despite Sunset Beach Relocation

Vancouver Police Department says it's ready to monitor events 
celebrating cannabis elsewhere in the city.

An estimated 20,000 people attended last year at the Vancouver Art 
Gallery. Although organizers are moving to Sunset Beach this year, 
some marijuana activists have said they'll still set up downtown on Wednesday.

Pro-legalization organization World Cannabis has been posting on its 
website about its intentions to return to the VAG.

"Contrary to popular belief, it was not a choice to move to the 
beach, it was a forced suggestion. Had the newly elected prime 
minister made one single move to actually legalize, (then) perhaps 
this group of activists would be more likely to go along down to the 
beach," said a post dated Monday.

"This is a protest and will remain so."

In an emailed statement, Const. Brian Montague said VPD are "aware of 
the possibility there will be some people attending alternate venues. 
Our plans include those locations.

"There are many considerations when it comes to policing an event 
like this," Montague added. "Our focus will be public safety."

Transit Police have also acknowledged "a possibility of some 
congregating still occurring in the area of the Art Gallery" and is 
planning increased presence at downtown train stations and along the 
Burrard and Davie transit corridors.

"During the 2015 420 event, Transit Police responded to numerous 
reports of unruly behaviour on buses," said a Saturday release. 
"Officers will be conducting 'step-ons' on buses throughout the day 
to ensure a high profile presence and discourage this kind of behaviour."
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom