The City of Delta wants to make plans to host Vancouver Canucks playoff viewing and celebration areas at appropriate locations throughout the community.
Council on Monday, April 8, endorsed a motion put forward by Coun. Dylan Kruger to have staff report back on where residents can gather safely to enjoy what is hoped to be a lengthy playoff run for the hockey team.
Noting the NHL squad has not had a home playoff game since 2015, Kruger said there is an appetite for people to go out and celebrate as there has been large unsanctioned gathering for previous playoffs.
The city has also already gone from “zero to hero” in the past few years when it comes to hosting community events and this would be another opportunity for coming together in a positive way, he said, adding the cities of Vancouver and Surrey have discussed similar initiatives with the Canucks and he’d like to see those discussions for Delta.
Huge crowds showed up at unofficial celebrations at the intersection of 72 Avenue and Scott Road the last time the Canucks had a good playoff run four years ago, the “bubble year” during COVID-19, as well as way back in 2011 when the team made it all the way to the Stanley Cup finals.
During the April 10 Delta Police Board discussion on ensuring public safety for upcoming major events, it was noted the large unofficial gatherings intersection forced the closure of the immediate area by police as fans celebrated, and it is anticipated those large gatherings will once again occur.
It was also noted the police department will work closely with the city on a plan for designated safe gathering spaces.
Police Chief Neil Dubord quipped the hockey team could have another deep playoff run, but since he is an Edmonton Oilers fan, he hopes that won’t be the case.
