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Hosting Canucks Round 2 Playoff Viewing Parties in Vancouver
The City of Vancouver is set to host viewing parties for the Canucks’ Round 2 playoff series against the Edmonton Oilers, starting with Game 3 on Sunday. Mayor Ken Sim and others had expressed concern in the past about large-scale events for the playoffs, given Vancouver’s history of Stanley Cup riots. However, Sim now reassures that extensive thought and planning have been put into place for the upcoming events.
Reflecting on Past Riots
Reflecting on the troubled relationship Vancouver has had with playoffs, Simon Coutts, the owner of Simon’s Bike Shop, recalls being “heckled” by passersby as he boarded up his shop on Robson Street before the 2011 loss. The 1994 riot had already made him take precautions, and in 2011, chaos ensued with too many people out of control downtown.
Mayor Sim, in a news conference, acknowledged the city’s history and emphasized the need for ensuring safety during playoff events. This year’s plan focuses on moving events away from the downtown core, with the upcoming viewing party scheduled to be held at Oak Meadows Park in the South Cambie neighborhood, accommodating approximately 2,000 people.
Creating a Safe and Family-Friendly Environment
If the Canucks advance further in the playoffs, community centers will also be open for fans. The possibility of utilizing the Pacific National Exhibition as a venue for up to 6,000 fans has been mentioned by Mayor Sim. The aim is to allow fans to enjoy the playoffs “responsibly” and in a family-friendly environment.
Vancouver police have assured the public of a safe and family-friendly environment for the events. Following a review of the 2011 riots, the police department acknowledges the contributing factors and plans to maintain a large police presence in the downtown core for both home and away games.
Support for a Cautious Approach
CEO of the BC Restaurant & Food Services Association, Ian Tostenson, supports a cautious approach to Stanley Cup celebrations in light of Vancouver’s past incidents. He emphasizes that holding controlled viewing parties for away games provides a safer alternative compared to inviting thousands of people downtown.
Tostenson suggests that reckless behavior could set the city back and emphasizes the importance of making progress. Coutts, a Canucks season ticket holder, echoes the sentiment, emphasizing the need for family-friendly gatherings responsibly held at Rogers Arena for away games.
As Vancouver prepares to host the Canucks’ Round 2 playoff series, the focus remains on providing fans with a safe and enjoyable environment to celebrate the team’s success.
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