Calgary Stampede aims for safety with police presence in park

Calgary Stampede is ready to have a safe outdoor show with an expected 1.2 million visitors, with organizers calling it the “third-largest city in Alberta.”

In a news release Tuesday, the Stampede says it will be working with the Calgary Emergency Management Agency, the City of Calgary, Calgary Police Service (CPS), the Calgary Fire Department, Calgary Transit, and Alberta Health Services to ensure the park is a “safe and welcoming place for people from across the city and around the world.”

“The spirit of the Calgary Stampede is part of our cultural fabric,” said Sue Henry, Chief of Emergency Operations and 911 with the city.

“We want residents and visitors to safely enjoy all that Stampede has to offer, and [we] have done extensive planning with our partners behind the scenes to make it the safest event possible.”

With CPS’s presence, Superintendent Joe Brar says Stampede Park will act as a “ninth district,” with its own commander, radio channel, patrol officers, and office.

“We will be prepared to deal with any situation that arises,” Brar said in a news conference.

“There is no known threat to the Calgary Stampede or the City of Calgary. However, we work closely with all our partners all year round to monitor for these things and keep a close eye on them.”

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Without getting into specifics, Brar says a heavy police presence will be felt at Stampede Park and on the parade route Friday.

Regarding concerns that could linger throughout the 10 days, Brar asks Calgarians to be mindful of a certain substance.

“I think a lot of the problems that Calgary Police typically deal with, a little bit different than our partners, is around consumption of alcohol and things along those lines, and just poor behaviour,” he said.

So we ask everyone that does come down to enjoy a drink or two, but please be responsible.”

WATCH: Early morning booze sales allowed during Calgary Stampede

Meanwhile, officers will be stationed at the Erlton and Victorial Stampede stations and the level crossing at 17 Avenue.

“We want everyone to have an enjoyable Stampede, and we recognize the role of Calgary Transit in providing safe access to Stampede activities,” said Aaron Coon, the chief of Calgary’s Public Vehicles Standard Division.

“To support this, we’ve hired security guards, enhanced our partnership with the Calgary Police Service, and added peace officer patrols throughout the system.”

Anyone that needs to report anything that is a cause for concern can alert Calgary Transit through the Transit Watch program. Coon says the program allows people to report concerns by text at 74100 anonymously.

He says there are also help phones and buttons that are at the CTrain stations, Max Purple stations, and on platforms. However, 911 is encouraged if they feel immediately threatened.

“We want everyone to have an enjoyable Stampede, and we recognize the role of Calgary Transit in providing safe access to Stampede activities,” Coon said.

“To support this, we’ve hired security guards, enhanced our partnership with the Calgary Police Service, and added peace officer patrols throughout the system.”

Transportation in and out of the Stampede

Calgary CTrains will be running 24/7 starting on sneak-a-peek on July 6 until the morning of July 17.

In addition, Transportation Network Companies (TNC), taxis, and limousines will also allow visitors to “travel to and from events.”

Also, the Stampede says businesses in downtown Calgary have late-night home stands and designated taxi stands. There are designated taxi stands and drop-off/pick-up zones near Stampede Park.

Read More: Bars, restaurants can serve alcohol early during Stampede

Stampede officials are also encouraging visitors to prepare for the weather, as the occasion is marked with rain at times and extreme heat. There will be sunscreen, rain jackets, and more for purchase at the Stampede if anyone forgets to bring their own.

“We encourage everyone attending outdoor events to prioritize their health and protect themselves from excessive heat,” says Dr. David Klassen, Medical Officer of Health, Alberta Health Services.

“We recommend people stay hydrated; wear lightweight and breathable clothing including a hat and sunglasses; use sunscreen; rest often in shady areas; and take chances to cool off such as by using a spray bottle, wet bandanna, or fan and taking breaks in cool indoor spaces.”

More information about the upcoming Stampede can be found online.