No more 4/20 rally?

Photo: CTV News

A shot from 2017's 4/20 event in Vancouver.

The Vancouver Park Board is facing calls to cancel the upcoming pro-marijuana 4/20 rally, following criticism from other event organizers. 

The Sun Run, another annual event, pays its own way, while the 4/20 has historically left behind a huge cost to taxpayers for policing and cleanup.

"We should all be on the same level playing field,” Sun Run race director Tim Hopkins told CTV News Vancouver. “There shouldn't be deals given to different organizations."

The Sun Run pays for use of Stanley Park as well as police services, but the city says 4/20 organizers don't do the same. 

2017's rally cost taxpayers $245,000, and 2018 was around the same, with organizers paying back around $63,000, CTV reports. 

“As taxpayers, we already pay for the policing in this city,” said 4/20 organizer and pro-cannabis advocated Jodie Emery. “No event should have to pay twice for the policing work.”

Traditionally called "protest," the 4/20 rally at Sunset Beach is facing further questions now that recreational marijuana use is legal. The event is planned at Sunset Beach this year with a Cypress Hill concert expected to draw in even bigger crowds.

Mayor Kennedy Stewart wants it to evolve with the times. 

"What I’m really hoping is the 4/20 – what was originally deemed a protest – will eventually turn into a trade show,” he said.

On Monday, the Vancouver Park Board is planning to introduce a motion with a plan to push the organizers to cancel the rally. They say they know protesters might show up anyway, but they want to set an example to city council in order to get the rally permanently out of that park. 

Emery said the event is still a protest until they are given an event license, which they have not been. 

Vancouver Police said that "public safety will remain our top priority" at the event. 

-With files from CTV Vancouver.