The promoters of certain large events “should assume part of the bill” associated with surveillance and security, believes Montreal police chief Fady Dagher. He intends to have discussions in this direction with the biggest players, such as the Formula 1 Grand Prix or evenko.
“Some big developers should pick up part of the bill, absolutely. I understand very well that there are authorities who will tell you the opposite. But there will have to be some reflection,” commented Mr. Dagher on Monday, on the sidelines of a press conference on the 2023 results of his organization.
Asked to clarify his thoughts, the police chief explained that “it is not a question of starting to bill community bodies or NPOs which have difficulty arriving”. “We’re not in the Tour de l’île,” he imagined. But for other mega-events, we know we could have a discussion. »
His teams are currently “evaluating” whether, depending on each event, “it necessarily requires a police officer or it could partly be private security that the promoter pays for,” continued Mr. Dagher.
He affirms that these debates must take place in a context where Montreal police officers often work overtime “and are exhausted”. “It’s not normal that we have a weekend with one, then a second and a third big event. […] Yes, there are events which have no choice on the date, but would it be possible not to add them up? “, asked the police chief.
“Last year, we had the Grand Prix and [plusieurs autres évènements] at the same time. That, for us, is staff numbers and more staff in overtime,” continued Fady Dagher. The latter assures that the objective is in no way financial. “We are not looking to be paid […], but as long as we do not put the event at risk. »
PHOTO JOSIE DESMARAIS, LA PRESSE ARCHIVES
Fady Dagher would like to review the role played by the SPVM during major events organized by private promoters like evenko.
In addition to the Formula 1 Grand Prix, the boss of the SPVM also named the promoter Evenko, responsible for several major festivals, as a potential scenario. “I’m not talking about Just for Laughs, the Jazz Festival. We talk more about private events like Osheaga and company,” he illustrated.
Alongside him, the head of the Specialized Services Directorate, Marc Charbonneau, argued “that we must be able to sit down together and better plan events when they take place at the same time”. “Could we restrict the routes a little or change the routes themselves, for example? These are works that we are in the process of starting, because the events are growing. »
Year after year, the metropolis hosts around 500 events and nearly 2,000 festive events, added the head of the Local Services Department, Cédric Couture. “When we superimpose all that on the needs with armed violence, response to calls, we often reach our limit,” he concluded.
In opposition, Councilor Abdelhaq Sari, spokesperson for security issues, deplored Monday “that while several festivals have lowered the curtain due to the lack of support from the City of Montreal, the last thing those who what remains need is to be plunged into the worry of having to assume new costs to ensure security.