Vancouver police chief clarifies comments on Stanley Cup celebrations

Vancouver’s police chief says he in fact is welcoming Canucks fans to come downtown during this year’s Stanley Cup run.

The department is clarifying comments made at Wednesday’s police board meeting.

“At all times and during the hockey playoffs, the Vancouver police are encouraging people to come downtown to enjoy our bars, restaurants, arenas, theaters, shopping and street ambience. Our focus is to make it safe for you to enjoy our city,” Chief Jim Chu says in a statement.

The chief clarifies: “You are not welcome in Vancouver if you intend to engage in public drinking, hooliganism and criminal behavior.”

Detailed playoff plans are to be discussed at next Tuesday’s city council meeting.

Many groups have spoken in favour of more regional celebrations, all in an attempt to avoid a repeat of last year’s riot.

Charles Gauthier, executive director of the Downtown Vancouver Business Improvement Association, says he’s looking forward to hearing the city’s official playoff plans.

“I’m not privy to what the plans are. I mean, I think the way the city has done a very good job in terms of consulting organizations like us. We’ve made it very clear that we don’t want to see a live site like we saw like last year.”

Gauthier adds he hopes the city’s plans will take all stakeholder input into account.

CKNW Vancouver News

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