Calgarians are ready for Stampede, police say they are too

With Sneak-A-Peek just a day away, people are ready to party for the next 10 days.

But there are questions as to whether emergency services will be entirely ready for the crowds, given the recent criticism they have been facing.

Police say they’ve been preparing.

“We want everyone to have a fun time and we also want a safe Stampede. If people are drinking alcohol [and] having a good time we encourage [them] to do that sensibly and ensure that they have a ride home or a plan to get home so they’re not driving impaired,” said Staff-Sgt. Matt Baker with Calgary Police Services.

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Calgary police say this isn’t their first rodeo at Stampede.

“We’ve policed the Stampede for many years [and] as we face new or ongoing societal issues or challenges maybe that too. So this year we’ll have a suitable amount of officers on the grounds and within District 1 to successfully police the increase in crowds and population,” said Baker.

“We ensure we have the right amount or number of police officers to deal with the unexpected numbers of attendees at the Stampede,” he added.

But a lot has changed since COVID-19, including public concern over delays in ambulance response times. And though they’re in different jurisdictions, EMS, the local fire department, Calgary police, and bylaw services all rely on each other.

As of late, the province has come under fire since EMS continues to face ambulance shortages.

Meanwhile, every Stampede, CPS creates a ninth district to police the area more closely. With more people expected to be out and about this time around, there will be a heavier police presence.

CPS says it sees Stampede as a perfect opportunity to build relationships with the community.

“The Stampede is a great opportunity for the Calgary Police Service to meet with the public, to market ourselves, and to have that one-on-one contact with the public, which over the past few years due to the pandemic we have missed somewhat,” said Baker.

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“So yeah we’re looking forward to the opportunity to chat with members of the public [and] chat with those kids and give them that impression that police officers are approachable,” explained Baker.

“Policing is not what it’s suggested to be in the movies. We certainly have a community policing model here in Calgary and that’ll be no different at the Stampede,” he added..

–With files from Gaby Rios