The City of Delta’s community watch parties for Vancouver Canuck playoffs games have been a big success and will continue.
That’s according to a report to council on the events held on 84 Avenue at the Social Heart Plaza in North Delta, where the NHL team’s second round series against the Edmonton Oilers will also be televised on a big screen starting with game one of the series tonight (Wednesday).
The report notes that due to the nature of the unsanctioned gatherings that have come to be a tradition at the corner of Scott Road and 72 Avenue in North Delta, staff investigated several locations as potential venues to hold official community events that would allow residents to gather and celebrate in a safe and family-friendly way.
The city was the first in the Lower Mainland and has been one of the few to host watch parties.
Costs associated with screen and audio rentals, communications and branding materials, security and traffic control personnel have totalled approximately $10,000 per game, the report notes, adding staff expect the costs will continue as long as the Canucks are in the playoffs, but could potentially decline with further games as associated costs decrease.
Coun. Dylan Kruger, who attended the watch parties with his family, said they have had a positive, family-friendly atmosphere and is within an ideal location outside the North Delta Recreation Centre and next door to North Delta Public Safety Building.
The report also notes there is an opportunity to include an additional viewing location in South Delta.
“Staff are currently working with Delta Police and other city departments to identify a suitable location to host a second community watch party in South Delta. Given the staff and financial resources required to host a second concurrent watch party, it is recommended that this additional site be considered only should the Canucks advance to round three of the playoffs,” the report explains.
However, council agreed that a location in South Delta will only be considered and, at this point, is not a sure thing due to the potential that a suitable location may not be found as well as possible higher costs.
