TONIGHT: Commercial Drive Street Party Part 2

Start: Aug. 22, 2015, 3 a.m.

The Commercial Drive Street Party is organized by individuals who take issue with the fact that the Vancouver Police Department and the City of Vancouver don’t allow people to host public events without granted permission. Although the streets are supposedly “public” spaces, accessible to all, the city continues to insist that we must pay to use it.

The VPD recently issued a statement warning that they will go after the organizers of “unlawful” events to cover policing costs. Thousands of dollars are required to secure a permit for any public event in this city, and applicants are routinely waitlisted for years on end—if not downright denied.

We do not want to live somewhere where we can't use public space. We do not need a license to dance, to listen to music, to gather freely. Our hope is that those in attendance will be inspired to organize their own events, and will begin to conceptualize the potential of an act as simple as being in the street.

We heard from many people that they had never experienced such a joyful, communal atmosphere in all of their time spent in Vancouver, a city notorious for the isolation experienced by its residents. The thousands of people in attendance at the first Commercial Drive Street Party proved that events like this are wanted by a huge amount of Vancouver residents. It is apparent that there is a desire to foster a sense of community in the public spaces of this city.

THE EVENT

Beginning at roughly 7:00pm on August 21st, we will be gathering in Grandview Park, at Commercial Drive between Charles Street and William Street. Food will be available in both vegetarian and meat options. Everything will be free; no one is interested in financially profiting from this event. Music will be played throughout the evening, culminating in a late night dance party on the streets.

While we don’t supply alcohol or encourage public consumption of it, we also don’t support policing the activities of others. We encourage everyone to exercise their own judgment in deciding what they should or should not partake in. We only ask that you respect the safety of everyone around you, above all else. It's up to all of us to keep each other safe. The success of this party will only be possible if we work together and exercise responsibility.

A recurring concern from some residents of the is cleanup. We ask that everyone make an effort to leave no trace of their presence, and to take away what they bring. Although we will do our part to leave the neighbourhood in the state we found it in (or better), we ask that others pitch in as well.

We encourage as many people as possible to take the initiative to contribute to the evening. Get together with your friends and organize, whether you are picking up a bit of trash, handing out water, or making sure others get home safe.

SEE YOU IN THE STREETS!

This event is taking part in occupied and unceded Coast Salish territories.