VPD to monitor New Year's Eve "dance party" anti-lockdown protest

The Vancouver Police Department (VPD) says that they’re “aware” of a New Year’s Eve-themed anti-lockdown protest scheduled for tonight.

The “NYE Freedom Rally Dance Party” is scheduled to take place in front of the Vancouver Art Gallery between 8 pm and 12 am, according to the event’s Facebook page.

Event organizers say that the rally will include “live music, dancing, celebrations, hot chocolate, kids’ corner, and more.”

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Earlier this month, health officials in British Columbia extended the restrictions on community events and gatherings into the new year, in an effort to continue to fight transmission.

The order – which first came into effect in late November – includes gatherings at hotels, restaurants, bars, movie theatres, and cinemas. It also includes public gatherings and events, as well as people visiting each other’s households.

The VPD tells Daily Hive that they’re “aware of the planned protest” and will have “officers on scene monitoring.”

Constable Tania Visintin adds that they’ll also have additional officers enforcing the Liquor and Licensing Control Act, as well as the Public Health Act.