Achi news desk-
Vancouver has confirmed it will host Canucks watch parties starting Sunday.
After much chatter about the possibility of holding events in the city, Mayor Ken Sim confirmed Wednesday morning that the city would be opening spaces to “allow people to have a fun and family-friendly way to celebrate.”
Sunday’s viewing party will be located at Oak Meadows Park with a capacity of approximately 2,000 people. Sim explained that some libraries and community centers will also be open, with those details to come.
“We’re going to be helping other independent organisations, like theatres, in the city to get a feed to the game so they can watch as well,” he said.
“And if, and when—knock on wood—the Canucks beat the Oilers and make it to Round 3, we’ll open the PNE which will allow another 6,000 individuals to enjoy a beer or glass that’s friendly to’ the family. of wine while they enjoy the event.”
Sim explained that the city manager’s office has been working with the Vancouver Police Department, Vancouver Fire Rescue Services, and the Canucks, to ensure “everything we do is done with the intention of ‘fun for’ the family’ and security.”
As for having several spaces in the city activated as locations for viewing parties, Sim explained that it gives everyone across the city a chance to celebrate.
“If you live in South Van, you might want to stay in the neighborhood rather than trek downtown with the thousands upon thousands of other individuals. So, it gives more options, and it takes the pressure off the core of the city as well because I can tell you, a lot of people will go to the city center regardless of what we did,” he said.
“This gives us more options to spread it and get people to enjoy it responsibly.”
Sim added that Edmonton Mayor Amarjeet Sohi has agreed to a friendly promise – the loser of the Round 2 series will have to wave the flag of the winning team in their city hall and wear the shirt of the winning team.
“Both mayors will be contributing to very good causes… In Vancouver, it will be Yo Bro Yo Girl, which supports at-risk youth in Vancouver and the Lower Mainland,” he said.
“We had a conversation just the other day, and I’m glad that sensible heads prevailed, but in reality we were going to rock the bare chest with paint, or maybe there was a tattoo. I don’t think Mayor Sohi wants to live the rest of his life with a Canucks logo on his arm, so I think that’s a good call,” laughed Sim.
As for the cost of opening up the empty spaces to Canucks fans, Sim says there is room in the budget with the cost to the city being “very little.”
“When you step back and you look [back], How many times do the Vancouver Canucks actually make it very deep into the playoffs? And I say this with a lot of respect because I’m a Vancouver fan.”
On Monday, the City of Vancouver teased that fans could expect more information this week.
The city shared at the time that it was “very aware of the great interest” for a place to come together and watch Vancouver take on the Edmonton Oilers.
It comes after New Westminster voted Monday night to investigate hosting the events, with Delta hosting community viewing parties during Round 1 when the Canucks beat the Predators 4 games to 2.
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