The deadly attack on a Vancouver street festival has prompted event organizers across Canada to comb over their security practices in a bid to protect attendees and assure them festivals are safe.
Some planners had already begun that process when British Columbia Premier David Eby announced Tuesday he would call an independent commission to investigate how other regions handle festival security, to ensure residents of his province feel confident going to community events this summer.
But some say a spate of international attacks in recent years and increased demands from insurance companies meant they were already attuned to the issue — particularly given the rising cost associated with security.
“You prepare, you anticipate, but nobody could have imagined what happened last Saturday,” said Kelly Kurta, executive director of the Greater Victoria Festival Society. “Nobody.”
Eleven people were killed and dozens more were injured when a man drove an SUV into …