Safety First: Markham works to minimize risks and maximize security at all City events

Safety First: Markham works to minimize risks and maximize security at all City events

MARKHAM, ON - May 25, 2018 – Yesterday, the City of Markham, in partnership with Calian Group Ltd., hosted the Emergency Management for Community Events Forum; the first event of its kind in Ontario focusing on emergency planning for community events.

“Community safety has always been a priority," says Mayor Frank Scarpitti. "Our world is changing, and while we cannot live in fear, we do need to ensure the safety and well-being of our event attendees, participants, organizers, vendors and security personnel. Markham is a municipal leader in emergency preparedness and as a host of over 200 events per year, we need to be prepared and ensure everyone can enjoy Markham’s many great community events.”

Unique in nature, the forum attracted over 100 attendees spanning from event planners, emergency management personnel, and public safety professionals from across the GTHA. The forum hosted a great array of speakers specializing in a range of topics related to safety at community events. These topics included:

• Emergency preparedness for events and festivals;
  
• Weather related safety and preparedness;
  
• Food safety and the role of public health;
  
• Event security and people’s protection;
  
• Planning and exercising for future events.

The forum was capped by an overview of the City of Brampton’s exemplary coordination between their event planning and emergency management teams in ensuring the utmost safety for community events. The forum ultimately provided attendees with concrete takeaways for implementation within their communities.

As a leader amongst communities, Markham continues to take proactive measures daily to ensure the safety and wellbeing of its residents. The knowledge and insight gained at this forum allows the City of Markham to work towards minimizing risk and exposure while maximizing overall event experience for all attendees.

Thank you to our Emergency Preparedness Team and Calian Group Ltd. for organizing an outstanding learning and sharing experience for all who attended.

Quick Facts:

• In 2017, the City of Markham hosted and supported a total of 236 events and cultural celebrations.
  
• Events such as the Markham-Milliken Children’s Festival, Night it Up, Ribfest and Taste of Asia attract people from all over the GTHA.
  
• Markham was fortunate to have 3,212 active volunteers in 2017.
  Click here to learn more about Markham's Emergency Plan.
  PHOTO

Click here to learn more about Markham's Emergency Plan.

Sonia Singh, Emergency Preparedness Coordinator at City of Markham, and Doug Grant, Senior Emergency Management Consultant at Calian Group Ltd., address a full house at Cornell Community Centre Rehearsal Hall for the Emergency Management for Community Events Forum.

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Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti's Office: Lama Nicolas, Senior Communications Advisor at lnicolas@markham.ca or 416.671.2890.

For all other media inquiries / interview requests for the City of Markham:
Erynn Sally, Media Relations Coordinator at esally@markham.ca or 416.737.2684