The City of Delta’s watch parties for the Vancouver Canuck’s playoff run was a big success that should be repeated if the NHL hockey team does well again next year, and perhaps for other viewing events.
The first municipality in Metro Vancouver to host free Canucks playoff viewing parties for the community, the city in an update for the Optimist noted the events at the North Delta Social Heart, outside the North Delta Recreation Centre, brought together fans in a family-friendly setting that had no issues.
The city notes hundreds of fans came out for every game and up to 1,500 fans attended the final game in second round against the Edmonton Oilers.
“We wish we could have held these for longer, but this has been a resounding success for the city and the community,” the update stated.
The cost of hosting the viewing parties at Social Heart was roughly $150,000, including staffing costs, for the two playoff rounds.
Delta Police informed the city there were no incidents of concern at the viewing parties, so additional policing costs were minimal.
“The Canucks Viewing Parties were a resounding success, bringing our community together night after night to cheer on the Canucks through their playoff run. I am incredibly proud of the work of city staff and their dedication to hosting these events, which benefitted thousands of Delta residents. It was great to see so many people embrace the watch parties and the city looks forward to hosting more community-building events like these in the future,” said Mayor George Harvie.
According to the city, the majority of the $78,000 in policing costs related to the playoffs were associated with incidents at the Scott Road and 72 Avenue intersection, which has become a hub for large unsanctioned fan gatherings every time the Canucks won a playoff game.
Delta Police and the Surrey RCMP teamed up to enhance patrols and enforcement at that intersection.
While the primary focus of officers was safety, officers also enforced the Motor Vehicle Act and Regulations, liquor and cannabis control laws as well as the Criminal Code.
