Vancouver considering 'potential public viewing' options for Canucks Round 2 games
After the Canucks defeated the Nashville Predators to advance to Round 2 of the NHL playoffs, Vancouver says it's looking into "potential public viewing opportunities" for upcoming games.
So far, the city has been tight-lipped on possible playoff viewing parties, leaving local fans feeling left out of festivities.
But in an update Monday, the city said it hopes "to have more to share in the coming week" about a place for the community to come together to watch games.
"It's been super exciting watching our home team battle through Round 1 and the fans have been amazing at keeping the energy going,” Mayor Ken Sim said in a statement. "Having the playoffs in Vancouver is important on so many levels and we are so proud of everyone putting in the effort to make this a fun, family-friendly experience for everyone. Let's keep it up!"
Late last month, Tourism Minister Lana Popham hinted at the possibility of a fan fest area outside B.C. Place. But Sim remained cautious at that point, saying the city is "being a lot more thoughtful" about potential viewing parties after the 2011 riot.
A BC Prosecution Service report about the riot pegged damage at an estimated $3.78 million. The report estimated as many as 55,000 people watched the game on West Georgia Street and that up to 100,000 more were in the area on adjacent streets as the riot started.
This year, Round 1 watch parties in Edmonton, Winnipeg and Toronto all had capacity limits and fans attending were subject to security screening for outside alcohol and weapons, which was not the case in Vancouver in 2011.
The Vancouver Police Department has also been apprehensive, saying it wants measures in place to ensure people aren't walking around with open liquor.
"We know from previous experience, not just here in Vancouver but in other major cities, especially with large sporting events, a lot of the problems that happen in terms of violence, fights and disorder occurs when people are over-consuming liquor," Sgt. Steve Addison said last month.
Round 2 starts on Wednesday, with the Canucks taking on the Oilers at Rogers Arena at 7 p.m. PDT.
With files from CTV News Vancouver's Ben Miljure and Martin MacMahon
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'The root cause': Canada outlines national action plan to fight auto theft
The federal government is launching what it calls its 'national action plan' to combat auto thefts, which will include stronger penalties for thieves, and increased information sharing between police agencies, government officials and border enforcement.
What is BORG drinking, and why is it a dangerous trend? An expert explains
If you've been to a party lately and haven't seen someone drinking a BORG, you're likely not partying with college students.
The world's best airline is paying staff a bonus of 8 months' salary
Singapore Airlines will reward its employees with a bonus worth nearly eight months of salary, a person familiar with the matter told CNN on Friday.
Michael Cohen says he stole from Trump's company as defence presses key hush money trial witness
Michael Cohen testified Monday that he stole tens of thousands of dollars from his ex-boss Donald Trump’s company, an admission defence lawyers hope to use to undermine Cohen’s credibility.
Red Lobster probes 'endless shrimp' losses after bankruptcy filing
U.S.-based restaurant chain Red Lobster has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in a Florida court after securing $100 million in financing commitments from its existing lenders, the company said on Sunday.
'Next man up': Canucks coach, teammates bracing for Game 7 without Brock Boeser
Questions about how the team is going to handle the absence of star winger Brock Boeser from a do-or-die game seven dominated pre-game interviews with the Vancouver Canucks coach and players Monday morning.
Katy Perry sings goodbye to 'American Idol'
Katy Perry said her goodbyes on 'American Idol' after seven seasons. On Sunday night’s live 'idol' season finale, a medley of Perry's hit songs were performed, including 'Teenage Dream,' 'Dark Horse' and 'California Gurls.'
U.S. Supreme Court rejects appeal from former Guantanamo detainee Omar Khadr
The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday rejected an appeal by a Canadian-born former Guantanamo detainee who was seeking to wipe away his war crimes convictions, including for killing a U.S. soldier in Afghanistan.
Woman, 35, in critical condition after her truck collided with a Via Rail train near Montreal
A 35-year-old woman is in critical condition after the pick-up truck she was driving was struck by a Via Rail passenger train Monday morning in Quebec's Monteregie region.