A group of smiling friends entering a dimly lit bar at night

Creating safe and vibrant nightlife spaces: Vancouver's Last Call Pilot Project takes a stand against sexual violence

May 11 2023 –

The City of Vancouver is launching the Last Call Pilot Project, in partnership with Good Night Out . This ground-breaking initiative addresses sexual violence in Vancouver's hospitality and service industry, providing a safer and more inclusive environment for all, particularly those of marginalized genders, including cis and trans women, trans, nonbinary and Two-Spirit people. 

Donnellan's Irish Pub , Greta , Hyne's Irish Pub , Parallel 49 Brewing Company , Shamrock Bar and Grill , and Smith’s Irish Pub are participating in the one-year pilot program that provides sexual violence prevention training, policy and data collection. The findings of this pilot will be used to determine if using a City grant in combination with a non-profit led gender violence prevention program contributes to a safer and more inclusive service and hospitality industry in Vancouver. 

In addition, the pilot will empower patrons and employees by providing support, policy guidance, and the #NotMe reporting tool at participating venues. 

The City of Vancouver has been taking significant steps to advance women's equity, including creating a Women's Equity Strategy (1.9 MB) and joining the UN Women's Global Flagship Initiative, "Safe Cities and Safe Public Spaces ." The Last Call Pilot Project aligns with these efforts, further emphasizing the City's commitment to promoting safety and inclusivity for all residents and visitors. 

For more information about the Last Call Pilot Project, visit lastcallproject.ca. 

Background 

In 2021, the rate of police-reported sexual assault in Canada reached its highest level since 1996, according to Statistics Canada . With only 6% of sexual assaults being reported, according to the Canadian Women's Foundation , it is the most underreported crime. Workplace sexual harassment affects 52% of women in Canada, states the Sexual Assault Support Centre , and Trans, non-binary, and Two-Spirit individuals are 22% more likely to experience sexualized violence and harassment, as per Statistics Canada  . These alarming figures highlight the critical need for action in the hospitality sector, emphasizing the importance of employee education, robust policies, and perpetrator accountability. 

Quotes 

“We are delighted to partner with Good Night Out in launching the Last Call Pilot Project, a crucial step towards combatting sexual violence and promoting inclusivity in Vancouver's hospitality industry. I want to express my gratitude to the participating businesses for stepping up and being leaders in this sector by taking part in this initiative. Your commitment to safety and equity is admirable and sets an excellent example for others to follow. Together, we can make Vancouver a more vibrant, safe, and welcoming city for all." 
- Mayor Ken Sim 
 
“Good Night Out is proud to launch this project born from brave survivors of sexual violence in Vancouver’s hospitality speaking up. We look forward to working closely with the City and these committed local businesses to create safer spaces to work and play in. We're also grateful to work with the #NotMe team, whose platform makes it easy for people to share reports of harassment quickly. Additionally, we’re pleased the Community Research Ethics Board has approved this project. This additional level of review was essential given the sensitive nature of the pilot and will create opportunities for Good Night Out and the City to share what we learn with other municipalities once we complete the pilot.” 
-Stacey Forrester, Co-Founder and Education Director of Good Night Out Vancouver. 
 
“If you're committed to creating a safer and more inclusive environment for your employees and patrons, I highly recommend partnering with Good Night Out. Their sexual violence training and bystander intervention programs are incredibly effective in empowering staff and creating a culture of safety and respect. Good Night Out's training provides a strong foundation for organizations to build internal programs that address sexual violence and harassment of employees and patrons. By teaching and practicing bystander intervention, they also equip staff with the skills needed to recognize and respond to potentially dangerous situations, helping to ensure that our Brewery is a safe space for everyone who walks through the door.” 
- Tracey Martin, People and Culture Manager of Parallel 49 Brewing Company