Stanley Park concerts continue during coyote cull
Posted September 9, 2021 8:08 pm.
Last Updated September 10, 2021 5:17 am.
VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) — Despite the overnight closure of Stanley Park during the coyote cull, private events — like a fundraiser set for Friday — are allowed to go ahead.
The park has been fenced off, trails have been closed, and non-essential access is prohibited between 7 p.m. and 9 a.m. These measures were announced after 45 instances where people — including children — were bitten or attacked by the animals. Four coyotes have been trapped and killed in the last few days, in a cull that is expected to last a couple of weeks.
Octavio Silva, with the Vancouver Park Board, says “business operations” can continue.
“That includes events and concerts at Malkin Bowl,” he explains.
“What we are doing, in light of the recent coyote activity, is that we are working closely with venue operators and concert organizers to implement some key mitigation measures aimed at further reducing risk, and promoting safe event delivery.”
If you hear howling at #StanleyPark Friday night, it might not be from trapped coyotes.
A private concert raising money for @YWCAVAN is going ahead at #MalkinBowl.
Up to 3000 people are expected to attend this approved event sponsored by #Vancouver developer @RyanBeedie. pic.twitter.com/WDiC2MN0PY
— Marcella Bernardo (@MBernardoNews) September 10, 2021
A crowd of up to 3,000 people is expected to turn up at the event sponsored by developer Ryan Beedie.
The event’s producer, Paul Runnals, says anyone who may be confused or concerned about a concert in the park should know that it is being done with permission from all authorities.
“There’s nothing unsanctioned about this,” he says, noting it is the third in a series of fundraisers for the YWCA.
When it comes to COVID-19, everyone in attendance has provided proof of immunization.
“We are implementing more safety protocols than anybody else in the city right now,” he says.
“There’s not a single person coming to this event, either as a guest, a staff member, or an artist, that’s not fully vaccinated. We’ve verified that vaccination status through an audit. If you’re not fully vaccinated, you can’t come on the site, even to work.”
As for what exactly is in store when it comes to the show, not even the people who bought a ticket know.
“I can’t answer any questions about talent. For the guests, the headliner is a surprise,” Runnals says.
This month's coyote cull has seen three more animals removed from Stanley Park — bringing the total number killed to four.https://t.co/yE0Mc37FXZ #Vancouver @ParkBoard @_BCCOS pic.twitter.com/BtwevWI67S
— CityNews 1130 Vancouver (Inactive) (@news1130) September 10, 2021
