Organizers of an anti-mask event coming to Central Community Park this weekend have given Downtown Chilliwack Business Improvement Association (BIA) officials reassurance there will be no incidents like the last time.
They have billed the rally as a “peaceful” event, a “protest” and a “family event.”
The Fraser Valley Freedom Rally starts at noon on Saturday, May 8, in Central Community Park and runs until 4 p.m.
“I have spoken with the organizers personally and they gave me their guarantee there would be no violent, forceful confrontations with merchants,” said Trevor McDonald, executive director of the BIA.
McDonald put out a message to merchants on Thursday (May 6) to let them know of the guarantee, and that the use of bullhorns will be restricted to the park or the Court House.
“They have been strongly instructed to respect downtown businesses,” said McDonald.
One local business owner said the last time saw protesters trying to enter their business, and “berating” staff.
READ MORE: Anti-mask march last month
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