It’s good to see that the City of Prince George and Tourism PG are taking seriously a recent provincial safety report commissioned after the tragic Lapu-Lapu Day attack in Vancouver this past April, where 11 lives were lost.
The report makes six clear recommendations to improve the safety of public events — from requiring risk assessments for all gatherings to offering more training, better coordination with emergency services, and even financial support for safety measures. The report sets out a roadmap for safer, more secure community celebrations.
Here in Prince George, that roadmap isn’t unfamiliar. In fact, local officials were already reviewing event safety policies before the report was released, recognizing the need to adapt after what happened in Vancouver.
The city’s event services team has been working closely with the RCMP, fire services, transportation, and bylaw enforcement to develop a checklist system for event safety — something that can be shared not only internally but also with outside event organizers.
Tourism Prince George has echoed that effort, emphasizing the need for accessible safety planning tools and support for smaller, often volunteer-run groups that may lack resources but still play a big role in our cultural life.
All of this is good work, and there’s more to be done.
As both the city and tourism offices have noted, a centralized hub for safety resources and training would be a game-changer, and provincial help with rising security costs would make a big difference for grassroots event organizers.
These are practical, achievable steps that will make community events across B.C. more resilient and inclusive.
But as we improve, we must also recognize what’s already working — especially here in Prince George.
The reality is that large-scale public gatherings in our city are overwhelmingly safe, well-attended, and a source of big civic pride.
Our events listings have been packed with events that brought people together peacefully and joyfully: Summerfest, the Renaissance Faire, the Local Night Market, the downtown Farmers’ Market, and more.
These aren’t just one-off parties; they are fixtures of our local culture and proof that community spirit is alive and well in PG.
In one July weekend alone, the downtown core hosted the Special Olympics BC Summer Games, Pride celebrations, the Nanguz ‘An container market, and Community Arts Days.
The city responded by temporarily redesigning intersections for pedestrian safety, while event organizers coordinated transit, parade routes, and security plans in unison.
It’s an example of how collaboration and thoughtful planning can make even our busiest community spaces feel welcoming and secure.
In a city that, like many others, faces its share of challenges, it’s worth pausing to appreciate that we do this well. Public events in Prince George are more than just entertainment — they’re a sign of who we are. They show that families can come out, feel safe, and be part of something bigger.
Let’s keep improving, learning, and planning smarter to keep everyone safe.
We should also recognize that gatherings in Prince George are one of the things we do best. That’s worth protecting and celebrating.
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