Police aim to keep Red Mile free of hockey hooliganism
Calgary police don’t want, or expect, a potential Battle of Alberta to become a battle on the Red Mile.
But with the Calgary Flames gearing up for a playoff run starting next week, police are preparing for the possibility they could face off with their provincial rival Edmonton Oilers for the first time in a quarter century.
And that means those tasked with making sure the Red Mile remains a safe destination for revellers are preparing for potential flare-ups between the two passionate — and playoff-starved — fan bases.
“I think with playing the Oilers, it’s going to be a positive rivalry for Calgary and Edmonton,” said police Staff Sgt. Clare Smart.
"I have to say within Calgary, and being part of some of the past playoffs, I would say 98 to 99 per cent of our fans, everybody’s been fabulous. Sometimes it’s just that small, small group of people that sometimes maybe like to escalate a situation. “We know that there is a possibility and we have implemented plans in place to make sure that we are going to be able to resolve that situation.”
Though the playoff picture remains foggy with three games left on the Flames’ schedule, it’s unlikely the rivals would meet unless they both make it to the second round, but police said they’re preparing for any eventuality.
Smart acknowledged there’s a small contingent of people in any crowd that craves stirring up trouble, so police have no plans on loosening the laws for those celebrating the Flames’ run.
“When it comes to breaking the law, everything is still being enforced. There’s no laws being changed. We’re not easing up on anything.”
Police will also be monitoring the QEII Highway between Calgary and Edmonton to ensure revellers travelling between the cities aren’t impaired, Smart said.
During the Flames’ last playoff run in 2015, the largest crowd that descended on the Red Mile was estimated at between 10,000 and 12,000, following the team’s Game 6 victory against the Vancouver Canucks, which propelled them into the second round.
By comparison, the largest crowd measured along the Red Mile in the team’s 2004 run to the Stanley Cup final was estimated to be 55,000 strong.
Smart said the other factor police are keying on is ongoing construction along the 17th Avenue corridor, which could pose a safety risk to revellers.
“We are working closely with the City of Calgary roads to make sure that we have up-to-date information as to what is taking
When it comes to breaking the law, everything is still being enforced. There’s no laws being changed. We’re not easing up on anything.
place,” she said.
“The other thing is we need to make sure … that the construction sites are secure and making sure that the public is safe.”
As well, police have canvassed some 160 businesses along 17th Avenue to ensure safety protocols are in place should crowds get out of control.
During home games, parking bans will be imposed along the 17th Avenue corridor and the police Major Event and Emergency Management Section, backed up by mountain bike and mounted patrols as well as beat units, will be in place to ensure crowds both on the Red Mile and other hot spots remain civil.
Smart noted police would be able to adapt their strategy should fans find other locations to gather en masse.
“We are flexible enough and our plans are flexible enough to be able to move our resources, increase our resources,” she said, adding the force will also be working within their financial means, though she couldn’t estimate a potential cost for the increased enforcement.
“We still have police officers in the downtown core patrolling. We are flexible enough that we can change our strategy so we can still continue in another area and protect the public.”