Safety concerns raised for Celebration of Light following Lapu-Lapu tragedy

The Honda Celebration of Light is one of the most popular events in Vancouver, with the annual fireworks show attracting hundreds of thousands of people downtown each summer.

But this year, things are going to look a little bit different.

For one thing, for the first time, the event — the world’s longest-running offshore fireworks showcase — will feature only Canadian teams.

But also, this year’s event will see a renewed focus on safety due to the Lapu-Lapu tragedy on April 26, which left 11 people dead and dozens injured after a vehicle drove into a crowd of people.

“We’ve been highly engaged and have a very robust public safety plan that we continue to revisit every year,” said event executive producer Paul Runnals.

“Frankly, it’s a conversation that continues year-round. And in light of recent events, I think there is going to be renewed scrutiny on it.”

On Wednesday, the B.C. government appointed a commissioner to review safety measures for event organizers and police. Runnals — who is also a partner at an event production agency — says some steps could be taken to increase safety.

“There’s a technology, like rapid deployable vehicle barriers, and the city recently purchased some of those,” he said.

“But it’s not a very big number. Certainly not enough to cover every event going on.”

Organizers say they will be meeting with the Vancouver Police Department and other public safety officials to see if additional security measures are needed.

The Leader Spirit spoke to several people who say they won’t let the tragedy keep them from going to festivals this summer.

“Vancouver is a beautiful city,” one person said. “We should have our activities, events, whatever it is. Everyone should enjoy it.”

“It’s on my mind,” another said. “I think you’d consider some stuff. I’d say that’s anywhere right now. If you’re going to an event in the States, it’s the same thing.”

The commissioner’s report is due by June 30 — less than a month before the Celebration of Light begins.

The fireworks competition is the city’s largest annual event, drawing nearly 1.5 million people to the shores of English Bay over three nights in July.