Extra police expected at Surrey-Delta intersection for Vancouver Canucks Game 7
Posted September 4, 2020 12:02 pm.
Last Updated September 4, 2020 12:15 pm.
SURREY (NEWS 1130) — Police have a warning ahead of Game 7 for Canucks fans who plan on gathering at the Scott Road and 72nd Avenue intersection.
Surrey RCMP Cpl. Joanie Sidhu says there will be extra enforcement on hand for Friday night’s game.
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“We do encourage people to celebrate because this is an exciting moment for us as Canucks fans, but please celebrate in a responsible manner by reconsidering going out to that intersection,” she says.
Scott Road along the Surrey-Delta border has been a hotspot for fans celebrating post-game, but footage from Thursday night shows a lot of people gathered in close quarters and not everyone was wearing a mask.
The crowd continues to grow. Not really any social distancing going on. And I’d say about 50% of the crowd not wearing masks @NEWS1130 @CityNewsVAN pic.twitter.com/OhxtnF1dlz
— Travis Prasad (@CityNewsTravis) September 4, 2020
When it comes to fines, Sidhu says it depends on the situation and the COVID-19 compliance and enforcement team will be around.
But she says the focus is on education first.
“If there are people that are gathered together a bit closely and an officer explains to them the risk that they’re putting themselves and others into, and then they understand and disperse, then that person wouldn’t be issued a ticket.”
Mounties have been urging fans to celebrate safely in the area, and Sidhu says the message does seem to be getting across.
“More individuals are wearing masks and there are, I think, more people making the decision to participate in their vehicles as opposed to on foot, which is what we’re trying to encourage.”
I’d say roughly half the people here are wearing masks. It does look like groups are trying to stay apart from each other. No one hanging out of their vehicles to cheer this time around. Just horns. Lots and lots of horns. pic.twitter.com/bB9Qrj88Hl
— Travis Prasad (@CityNewsTravis) September 2, 2020
If fans insist on going to the intersection, she says they should stay in their vehicles with those in their bubble. However, Sidhu recommends celebrating at home or virtually.
Breaking COVID-19 rules can end in a fine of $200 for individuals and $2,000 for party organizers.
Puck drop is at 6:00 p.m. You can watch the game on Sportsnet, hear the call on Sportsnet 650, and catch updates on NEWS 1130 every :15 and :45 past the hour.
