Expect quicker security screening, more surveillance cameras at Calgary Stampede

Officials say they've got everything in place to keep people safe when the Calgary Stampede grounds swell to the size of Alberta's third largest city starting on Friday.

Members of the Calgary Police Service, Calgary Fire Department, Calgary Transit, EMS and the Calgary Emergency Management Agency (CEMA) held a news conference Wednesday with Stampede officials to share details about the safety and security measures in place for this year's event.

One change that visitors likely won't notice is that there will be about 10 per cent more surveillance cameras on the grounds, said Jim Laurendeau, the Stampede's vice-president of park planning and development.

"To really make sure we've really got our eyes on the entire park," he said.

For the third year in a row, visitors will again be screened by security personnel before entering. But more staff will be on hand this time to make the process quicker, Laurendeau said.

The Stampede's terms of entry stipulate that visitors cannot bring in anything that could be used as a weapon, including all knives and bladed items, pepper spray or replica firearms. A full list is available on the Stampede's website.

"Suffice it to say, if you wouldn't bring it to the airport, don't bring it to the Stampede," he said.

For the duration of Stampede week, the Calgary police treat the Stampede as a ninth district, with its own commander, its own radio channel and its own patrol officers, said Insp. Paul Wyatt.

"As in previous years, we will have a high visible presence both along the parade route and at Stampede Park," he said.

"Large events can be a challenge, but we make sure we have the right resources in place."

For this year's Stampede, CPS has also invited uniformed patrol officers from the Blood Tribe and Tsuut'ina police services to the grounds.

Wyatt said police are asking members of the public to be aware of their surroundings and alert an officer if they feel unsafe.

"Watch for unusual situations or items, or if someone is acting strangely. And if you see something, please say something," he said.

Tom Sampson, head of CEMA, said his teams have been busy running all sorts of scenarios to get ready for Stampede week.

"I can tell you that we will be prepared for, I hope, the safest Stampede ever on record," he said. "We always plan for the worst but expect the best."

Wyatt said the single biggest cause of trouble is usually people who've had too much to drink.

"Over-consumption is our major concern," he said.

He said officials want people to come to the grounds and celebrate — but responsibly.

And he added that there's no excuse for driving while impaired.

"There's lots of ways to get here and get home safely," Wyatt said.

Relaxed drinking, noise rules

As it has done in the past, Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) has relaxed its rules for alcohol service for the duration of the Stampede.

From July 5 to 14, bars, restaurants and lounges in Calgary can serve liquor from 8 a.m.

On parade day, along the route, bars, lounges, taprooms and convention centres can begin liquor service at 7 a.m.

"This extension applies to early service only; closing hours for liquor service will not change," the agency said in an email.

The City of Calgary announced Wednesday that it will accept temporary noise exemption permit applications until Friday, July 5, for Stampede special event tents.

Last week, Cowboys Dance Hall won permission to play non-live music until 2 a.m. at its party tent near the grounds.

"To ensure a measured approach, applications will be accepted from businesses who have already been approved to operate a special function tent within the date range of July 4-15, 2019," the city said.

"The location and site context will be considered in the decision of each application, and we will expedite our review to have all decisions made by 5 p.m. on Friday, July 5."