The City of Toronto announced $2.1 million in increased security funding for festivals, bringing relief to organizers concerned about hostile vehicle attacks. This follows recent incidents in Vancouver, Liverpool, Hamburg, and New Orleans. The funding, distributed through a special events program, aims to help cover costs for physical barriers and private security, with calls for provincial and federal support for a comprehensive safety plan.
Local organizers breathe sigh of relief as Toronto boosts festival security funding
Canada
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️The City of Toronto announced $2.1 million in increased security funding for festivals, bringing relief to organizers concerned about hostile vehicle attacks. This follows recent incidents in Vancouver, Liverpool, Hamburg, and New Orleans. The funding, distributed through a special events program, aims to help cover costs for physical barriers and private security, with calls for provincial and federal support for a comprehensive safety plan.
Trending- 1 2024: City of Toronto launched a special events funding program.
- 2 Last month: Vehicle attack at Lapu-Lapu Day festival in Vancouver.
- 3 Monday: Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow announced $2.1 million in increased security funding for festivals.
- 4 Monday: Olivia Chow also announced a $100,000 seed grant for a non-profit association.
- 5 Yesterday (Tuesday): A driver swerved into a crowd in Liverpool, injuring 65 people.
- 6 Thursday: City council approved a motion by Deputy Mayor Michael Colle asking for provincial and federal funds.
- Festival organizers are relieved but still seek more comprehensive, multi-level government support.
- Increased security measures will be implemented.
- A new non-profit association for organizers will be created.
What: The City of Toronto announced $2.1 million in increased security funding for festivals to protect against hostile vehicle attacks.
When: Monday (funding announcement), last month (Lapu-Lapu Day festival attack), yesterday (Liverpool attack), 2024 (special events funding program launched).
Where: Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Other locations mentioned: Vancouver (Canada), Liverpool (England), Hamburg (Germany), New Orleans (United States).
Why: Recent hostile vehicle attacks at festivals (Vancouver, Liverpool, Hamburg, New Orleans) have raised concerns about pedestrian safety. Festival organizers face rising operational costs, including security, and need financial support to implement enhanced measures.
How: The City of Toronto will distribute $2.1 million through its special events funding program. This program helps cover costs for private security, road closure signs, permits, and 'hostile vehicle mitigation' (e.g., physical barriers). A $100,000 seed grant will also create a non-profit association for organizers to share needs and coordinate resources. Deputy Mayor Michael Colle pushed for the renewal of the program and a motion for provincial and federal funding.