With the NHL playoffs fast approaching, VPD Chief Jim Chu says the force is already bracing for the Vancouver Canucks’ Stanley Cup chase.
“We’ve got the plans in place to ensure that we have officers deployed in the right places at the right levels,” he said, adding the VPD has looked at the recommendations from various post-riot independent and internal reviews.
Chu said they have also talked to other regional police forces to make sure there is a liquor strategy in place.
One of the problems on the night of the riot, Chu pointed out, was that people came into Vancouver’s downtown core with their liquor.
“We’ve had large events since (the riot) and that … strategy has been successful,” he said. “During the Celebration of Light, we asked our policing partners in the region to stop them before they got on the train and intercept that liquor before they came downtown.”
The VPD has had discussions with Mayor Gregor Robertson and city staff about the upcoming preparations, said Chu, adding that he agrees with the city’s idea to have smaller events.
Charles Gauthier, executive director of the Downtown Vancouver Business Improvement Association, said he would like to see smaller-scale, crowd-controlled events in multiple locations, similar to what was done during the Olympic Winter Games.
He said he believes that a balance between celebrating the team and maintaining safety can be reached.
“We’re very supportive of hosting events outdoors and having them downtown, but with the proper security and safety plans in place,” he said, adding that gathering fans at BC Place or Rogers Arena can also be options.
Local news from metronews.ca/vancouver
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