Vancouver Canucks fans watch a car burn during a riot following game 7 of the NHL Stanley Cup final in downtown Vancouver, on June 15, 2011. THE CANADIAN PRESS
The City of Vancouver will host viewing parties for the Canucks’ Round 2 playoff series against the Edmonton Oilers, beginning with Game 3 on Sunday. Mayor Ken Sim, acknowledging past concerns over large-scale events due to Vancouver’s history of Stanley Cup riots, reassured that thorough planning has gone into these events. The viewing parties will be held at a park far from the downtown area, where riots occurred in 1994 and 2011 following the Canucks' Game 7 losses in the Stanley Cup finals.
“A lot of the individuals organizing this year’s festivities were involved in 2011 and have used their experiences to create a well-thought-out plan,” Sim said at a press conference on Wednesday.
Mick Jackson, manager of Granville Sports Corner, praised the decision to keep the viewing events out of downtown Vancouver. “I think it’s a good idea; it should work out well. The further we go in the playoffs, the excitement will intensify,” said Jackson, who has worked at the store on Granville Street for 17 years. He emphasized the importance of avoiding a repeat of the riots.
Simon Coutts, owner of Simon’s Bike Shop on Robson Street since 1986, recalled the precautions he took during the 1994 and 2011 riots. He remembered boarding up his shop and witnessing the chaos firsthand. “There were just too many people out of control downtown, and then all hell broke loose,” Coutts said.
Mayor Sim had previously acknowledged the city’s troubled past with playoff celebrations, emphasizing the need for safety in any planned events. He assured that this year’s viewing parties would be different. The first event will take place at Oak Meadows Park in the South Cambie neighborhood, accommodating about 2,000 people. Additionally, select community centers across the city will show the games in their lobbies.
If the Canucks advance to the third round, Sim announced plans for a licensed outdoor viewing experience at the Pacific National Exhibition, which could host up to 6,000 fans. He stressed the importance of celebrating the team’s success responsibly and showcasing Vancouver fans’ ability to enjoy the playoffs in a safe and family-friendly manner.
Vancouver police spokesperson Const. Tania Visintin expressed support for the smaller, community-based viewing areas, stating they are more conducive to public safety compared to large downtown gatherings. The police will continue to collaborate with the city to avoid large viewing areas downtown.
Rogers Arena has been hosting fans to watch games on the big screen while the Canucks play away. Tickets for these events are $20, with proceeds going to the Canucks for Kids Fund. During recent playoff games, police have issued 20 to 30 tickets for infractions such as open alcohol and fighting, and have made a few arrests.
Ian Tostenson, CEO of the BC Restaurant & Food Services Association, supported a cautious approach to Stanley Cup celebrations, highlighting the benefits of controlled environments for away game viewings. He warned against inviting large crowds downtown without proper measures, fearing it could lead to trouble.
Coutts, a Canucks season ticket holder, felt that family-friendly gatherings at Rogers Arena have been controlled and successful, and he remains optimistic about the current approach. “No one wants a repeat of 2011,” he said.
