Vancouver mayor calls for full review of city’s event safety measures following tragedy at Lapu-Lapu festival Saturday
Posted April 27, 2025 2:53 pm.
Last Updated May 1, 2025 12:43 pm.
Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim spoke to media Sunday afternoon, addressing the deadly car-ramming tragedy at a Filipino festival Saturday.
Sim says he is “completely heartbroken” by the event that left 11 people dead, with victims ranging in age from five to 65, and multiple others injured.
“I’m shocked and I’m angry,” he said.
“And I’m devastated by the lives that have been lost and the pain that’s been inflicted on our community.”
Sim says he has received a comprehensive briefing from the Vancouver Police Department and city hall staff.
“As a result, I’ve directed a full review of our event safety measures, including barriers, traffic control, and safety protocols,” he said.
“Our first priority is and will always be protecting the residents of Vancouver.”
He says while many of us may be fearful and uneasy right now, Vancouver is still a safe city.
“We have over 3,000 events and festivals per year in our city, the vast majority happening without incident whatsoever,” he said.
Sim reiterated that this was not an act of terrorism and that the individual arrested has a significant history of mental health issues.
— With files from Angelyna Mintz
Resources for those experiencing trauma or who require support
A 24-hour assistance centre has been set up at the Douglas Park Community Centre at 801 West 22nd Avenue.
VPD Victim Liaison Officer: 604-717-3321.
Victim Services — available 24/7 by calling or texting 1-800-563-0808 or emailing 211-victimlinkbc@uwbc.ca.
310 Mental Health Line: 310-6789
Crisis Line: 1-800-784-2433
A Google Doc has been created by a group of local members of the Filipino community, listing emergency response resources. The members are not associated with any organizations. That Google Doc can be accessed here.
A Filipino Emergency Response website has been set up. This includes forms for support requests and a list of community spaces and gatherings. It also lists more resources. That can be accessed here.
