Vancouver city council rejects Safe Streets for Trick or Treats motion

Vancouver city council has delayed a motion aimed at establishing pedestrian-only zones on Halloween, a night notorious for traffic accidents involving children. Councillor Lucy Maloney, who proposed the motion, emphasized the need for safer streets, citing that Halloween is one of the most dangerous nights for kids. The proposed system would allow residents to apply for permits to block off streets for trick-or-treating, similar to block party permits, and include provisions for free barricades and basic event insurance. While Maloney received backing from Green Party Councillor Pete Fry, all five ABC Party members voted to refer the motion to staff, sparking her disappointment. She took to social media to voice her concerns, stating that the referral only postpones critical safety measures.

Maloney encouraged residents to leave their vehicles at home during key trick-or-treating hours from 5 to 9 p. m. , highlighting the urgency of the situation. This decision reflects ongoing debates about public safety and traffic management in urban areas. The council's action raises questions about the prioritization of community safety measures.