VANCOUVER Mayor Kennedy Stewart on Friday in a statement on efforts to improve permitting for community events said: “As we reopen once again from COVID-19 and community groups look to scale up events, speeding up turnaround times and supporting economic recovery is a top priority for the city.

“I have heard directly from many community groups concerned about permitting timelines not being rapid enough to support successful summer events, and I want them to know our staff are working to expedite applications.

“Pandemic guidance from the Province is changing rapidly, and our staff are adjusting in real time to support the community – and I am grateful for their efforts.

“Timelines outlined in our event policies are targets, not hard and fast. I have spoken with our City Manager who assures me staff are aiming to shorten timelines for upcoming events where needed, in recognition that the loosening of pandemic restrictions mean many groups are working quickly to get events up and running.

“Our staff are working extremely hard to support community events and help businesses ramp up for the spring and summer months. We all know how important it is for everyone in the city to get back to the places and events they love.”