Park Board to Mayor: Elected Commissioners Strongly Oppose Sunset Beach Park as 4/20 Location

Vancouver Park Board

News Release

February 15, 2016

Park Board to Mayor: Elected Commissioners Strongly Oppose Sunset Beach Park as 4/20 Location 

Vancouver Park Board Chair Sarah Kirby-Yung today wrote to Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson with grave concerns that the City of Vancouver confirmed Sunset Beach Park to organizers of this year’s 4/20 event without the support of the elected Board of Commissioners. The Park Board has sole jurisdiction over parks in the City of Vancouver. 

In the attached letter,  Kirby-Yung advised the Mayor that the elected Commissioners have serious concerns regarding the illegal, unsanctioned and unpermitted event and that the Board does not support 4/20 taking place at Sunset Beach Park or any other park. 

“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,” said Kirby-Yung.

The Park Board Chair asked the Mayor for meeting with appropriate staff – at the earliest opportunity - to work together to identify an alternate location for a safe and orderly 4/20 event.  

Should an alternate location not be found, the Park Board Chair advised the Mayor that she expected that all costs in ensuring public safety, refuse collection and repair of any damage to the park or beach and any legal liability arising for any unfortunate accidents or injuries at 4/20 in Sunset Beach Park should be borne by the City of Vancouver.

  

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