Safety top of mind at upcoming outdoor events in Winnipeg

The deadly attack on Vancouver's Lapu Lapu Day Block Party, is prompting discussions of safety at upcoming Winnipeg festivals and events.

On Saturday, a driver slammed a black SUV into a crowd at the Filipino street festival, killing at least 11 people and injuring dozens more, according to local police the youngest victim was five-years-old.

Local police say a Vancouver man, Kai-Ji Adam Lo, 30, has been charged with eight counts of second-degree murder. 

"All I could do was feel sick…sick to my stomach," said Malaya Marcelino the NDP MLA for Notre Dame, after she heard about the attack and saw the videos of the aftermath. 

Marcelino says the past days have been about processing what happened, "for many people in the Filipino community in Manitoba… we're leaning on our faith right now."

Manitoba is home to a large Filipino community, with over 94-thousand people — the MLA says the community hosts multiple festivals and events throughout the summer, notably the Filipino Street Festival which runs in August. 

"Winnipeg has a very vibrant arts and cultural scene and we do love our festivals and we don't want, to be guided by fear," Marcelino said, but stressed "we have to make sure that folks are safe and can enjoy the festivals freely."

To do that, she says there will have to be more discussions on planning outdoor events differently. 

"... heading into the festival season, we will be having more active discussions to make sure that our voices are heard…you know, ask questions and engage in security planning when we can, making sure that our organization leaders are doing that as well" 

Mayor Scott Gillingham called the attack horrific and a profound loss, "we take this very seriously," he said "...anytime [a] mass tragedy like this happens…our city staff does work to make sure that we can learn lessons…"

Gillingham says during outdoor events and festivals in Winnipeg, all entrances and exits are blocked,  "we have barricades up, we have trucks blocking the way."

While the city tries to put the same security measures in place for parades, it is up to the organizers to work with the city "to provide security and safety for their participants," Gillingham said. 

"We want to make sure that festivals, parades and even demonstrations are conducted in a safe manner."

While safety is top of mind for Marcelino, her message to the Filipino community in Manitoba is clear,  "we can't let our fear, you know, govern our actions and stop us from, you know, enjoying our lives."