Ever wonder how groups get to use the legislature lawn to hold protests and demonstrations, and whether they have to pay for police?

According to the Office of the Clerk at the BC Legislature, there is no fee to use the lawn for a protest or demonstration, and VicPD does pick up the bill for policing.

“Many of the costs associated with policing protests that start or end at the legislature are recoverable under a memorandum of understanding we have with the BC Legislature,” VicPD spokesperson Griffen Hohl tells Capital Daily in an email.

Last year, 130 demonstrations outside the legislature, more than double the 71 from 2023, were patrolled by VicPD. 

It’s difficult to estimate how much it costs VicPD to cover a protest because there is a lot of hidden work like planning and liaising ahead of the demo, Hohl says.

“It would not be possible, or reasonable, to capture a full and accurate cost.”

As a bit of insight into VicPD’s protest bill, Hohl said the department has “recovered” approximately $1 million for “demonstration activities related to the Gaza conflict between October 2023 and December 2024.”

“Demonstrations are simply part of policing in a capital city,” Hohl says.

But it’s not just slogans and seriousness outside the leg. So, who gets to reserve the legislature lawn?

"It's seven days a week, it's pretty much first come, first served," says the Office of the Clerk.

Pretty much any reputable group that applies at least two weeks in advance and uses the grounds to host a non-commercial, non-electoral event.

Under the Speaker, the Precinct Use Committee is responsible for requests to use the Legislative Precinct, which includes the ceremonial entrance and stairway, Confederation Garden Park, grounds of the legislature, Hall of Honour, Lower and Memorial (Upper) Rotunda, and rear library stairway. 

The committee won’t approve any event that may “jeopardize the institutional reputation of the Legislative Assembly, place the Legislative Precinct at risk of physical damage, or affect the integrity of the grounds as a historic site,” according to the Legislative Assembly precinct use policy manual.

Hosting an event inside the 127-year-old buildings requires sponsorship from an MLA, or legislative assembly worker—and if its catered and going to cost more than $100, the parliamentary restaurant gets first crack at the booking.

Say 'cheese' but not 'I do'

Private events such as weddings, for-profit and commercial parties aren’t allowed at the leg, although you can have your wedding photographs taken there—restricted to two-hour time allotments to accommodate the numerous requests received.  

A place of politicking, the BC Legislature does not allow certain electoral events—including party policy, platform, or candidate announcements. 

"Now, if a political party is represented in the Legislative Assembly and it has a caucus, the caucus can undertake activities which are inherently political," the Office of the Clerk says.

"But parties themselves cannot host events or candidate announcements or public policy announcements on the precinct, because the precinct belongs to all British Columbians."

Event organizers have to abide by the Legislative Precinct rules, which includes getting permission to have animal on the lawn and to film the event for broadcast. 

They are responsible for equipment and the conduct of the people in attendance. They may be required to offset costs for security, staffing, or janitorial services related to the event. And in some cases, may be required to provide a damage deposit.

Choirs and bands can request chairs and are responsible for setting them up and returning them to the Parliament Buildings.

Event organizers can’t drive poles or stakes into the ground and if their event is to go longer than two hours, they may have to provide portable toilets.

There are other stipulations: No drones, no fires, no cooking on the lawn. And event participants aren’t supposed to hang anything on the building or any of the statues. 

Advertising for commercial or private purposes is verboten, as is fundraising and hosting a formal, organized sporting event. 

Alcohol and cannabis are not allowed on the premises, and groups can’t charge an admission fee—they’re also required to clean up after the event and to remove any litter.