'We don't want a repeat of what happened in the past': Vancouver easing into Canucks viewing parties
Given the ugly history of the riot than broke out when there were hockey playoff parties downtown, the City of Vancouver is starting small this Sunday with an event at Oak Meadows Park.
Oak Meadows Park is located at Oak and West 37 Avenue, a fair distance away from the downtown core.
“That’s the thoughtful intention here is that we don’t want a repeat of what happened in the past,” said Coun. Pete Fry. “That’s why we’re not doing a big activation right downtown.”
Vancouver Police Department spokesperson Const. Tania Visintin said authorities are working with the city to chart the safest course forward as the playoffs continue.
“We’re continuing to work with the City of Vancouver so we can avoid these large viewing parties in the downtown core,” she said. “We’re continuing to give our recommendations on that.”
While the cost of damage from the 2011 riot amounted to an estimated $3.78 million, Sim said the price of opening the venues for this year's games "is minimal in the grand scheme of things."
"It's a time to celebrate and it's also a time to show off the fact that Vancouver fans can celebrate in a family friendly, fun and safe way," he said. "I think that will pay dividends going forward for our city and bringing swagger back to our city."
Visintin says overall crowds have been on good behaviour during this playoff run, but open alcohol has been an issue.
“We issued approximately 20-30 tickets per home game last round,” said Visintin
Alcohol is not allowed at Oak Meadows Park. The City of Vancouver does allow drinking at 31 parks throughout the year.
The city is providing porta-potties and is anticipating around 2,000 people in attendance.
“I’m not against the idea as long as people who gather here are respectful of the environment and don’t leave garbage behind,” said Jimmy Suh, a man who lives in the neighbourhood, adding he hopes the event wraps up by 11 p.m. so people can sleep in peace.
With limited parking available, the city is advising people to walk, bike or take transit and to plan ahead.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Robert Pickton stabbed with toothbrush and broken broom handle: victim's family
The family of one of Robert Pickton's victims says the convicted serial killer suffered an incredibly violent death at the hands of another inmate.
Father who killed one-year-old son with axe may be allowed to travel in southwestern Ontario
A Mennonite father who killed his one-year-old son with an axe may be allowed to travel to parts of southern Ontario in the coming months
'It feels like freedom': Why some Albertans like going nude in nature
Few people can say they accidentally purchased a nude beach — but Shelley can. When she saw a piece of land she could fondly remember camping on was up for sale, she inquired about it and ended up purchasing it. She soon found that there were already inhabitants on it.
Panama prepares to evacuate first island in face of rising sea level
On a tiny island off Panama's Caribbean coast, about 300 families are packing their belongings in preparation for a dramatic change. Generations of Gunas who have grown up on Gardi Sugdub in a life dedicated to the sea and tourism will trade that next week for the mainland’s solid ground.
Two celestial shows will be visible across Canada this week
Canada is getting not one – but two – celestial shows over the next few days. Keep an eye on the sky for the northern lights and parade of planets!
WestJet ordered to pay B.C. traveller $1,300 for a missed flight connection
A B.C. traveller will receive more than $1,300 in compensation from WestJet for a missed flight connection following a decision from the province's small claims tribunal.
Jennifer Lopez cancels summer tour: 'I am completely heartsick and devastated'
Jennifer Lopez has cancelled her 2024 North American tour, representatives for Live Nation confirmed to The Associated Press.
Hundreds of workers on strike at Gibraltar copper mine in British Columbia
More than 500 workers are on strike at the Gibraltar copper mine in central British Columbia, about 200 kilometres south of Prince George.
Is intermittent fasting better than counting calories? Maybe not, but you might stick with it
As weight-loss plans go, it's easy to see the allure of intermittent fasting: Eat what you want, but only during certain windows of time — often just eight hours a day.