The Red Mile ruckus that accompanied the Calgary Flames' playoff run in 2004 could be history as the city plans to crack down on such wild celebrations -- even using undercover police officers to arrest flashers.
Starting today with the final four games of the regular season, the city will impose traffic restrictions around 17th Avenue S.W. on game days, and enforce a zero-tolerance policy for poor behaviour.
Activities on the hit list include jaywalking, open liquor and public nudity.
The move follows concerns raised by local residents and businesses after the rise of the Red Mile two years ago when more than 40,000 hockey-mad fans descended on the inner-city avenue.
Police said they were lucky things didn't get out of hand last time, and will err on the side of caution this year.
"I fully expected this morning that I'll be deemed the Grinch who stole the Red Mile," said Deputy Chief Dale Burn of the Calgary Police Service.
"But I feel a lot safer doing that than allowing it to happen and have some innocent citizen severely injured. I think I can sleep nights knowing that."
Some residents who enjoyed the Red Mile atmosphere say they want illegal behaviour stopped, but hope police don't stop the party all together.
"For me, it was hard to sleep, especially on weeknights when I had to get up for work the next morning, but I think it was good for the city," said Eric VanEnk, who lives in a condo near 15th Avenue and 8th Street S.W.
"I think if you're going to live down here, you have to take the good with the bad. Some restrictions on it wouldn't be the end of the world, but I don't want to see them eliminate it."
In 2004, the Red Mile, as it came to be known, was the focal point of celebrations for hockey fans on game nights -- home and away -- throughout two months of playoffs in which the Flames lost a heartbreaking final series to the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Policing costs totalled about $1 million and involved up to 300 officers.
The rise of the Red Mile took city officials by surprise in 2004, but they say that won't happen this time.
Starting today, a parking ban along 17th Avenue S. -- from Macleod Trail to 8th Street S.W. -- will be in effect from 3:30 p.m. to midnight for all remaining Flames games and the playoffs. Additionally, police will reroute 17th Avenue to a single lane eastbound from 8th Street S.W. to Macleod Trail.
Access to 17th Avenue will only be permitted on Macleod Trail, 1st, 2nd and 4th Streets. Police will make adjustments as necessary.
There will be an increased police presence, as well, with staff from the fire department, bylaw services, Calgary Parking Authority, emergency medical services and the roads department also involved.
Local residents and businesses reported that in 2004, the Red Mile was the scene of property damage, theft and sexual misconduct.
There were also issues with noise, graffiti, garbage and public urination.
"Last time around, it seemed like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that was very exciting and so there was a lot of eyes closed to infractions," said Ald. Madeleine King. "That attitude will clearly change this time."
Specific attention will be paid to open liquor, jaywalking, drunk driving, causing a disturbance and public nudity, police said
Open liquor can result in a fine of around $230, while jaywalking is $57.
Public nudity is punishable on summary conviction and carries a maximum penalty of a $2,000 fine, six months in jail, or both.
To help catch offenders, police will employ undercover officers.
"Things like public nudity, obviously, we don't want to go in there and create a riot," Burn said, "but we'll have numerous undercover officers in and amongst the crowd and when it's prudent to do so, they'll move in and escort the party out of there and lay the appropriate charges."
Burn said ideally activity on 17th Avenue during the playoffs wouldn't be any different from that on regular Friday or Saturday night.
"Celebrate the Flames; cheer them on," Burn said, "(but) avoid the 17th Avenue area."
Brad Ingarfield, owner of the Yardhouse, which opened on 17th Avenue just before the 2004 playoff run, says he hopes to be busy again this spring, but says his business interests shouldn't override bigger concerns.
"If the City of Calgary and the police feel it's in the community's best interest to keep the area safe and secure, and even if that means I possibly lose some business because of it, I don't think my rights supersede those concerns," he said.
Mayor Dave Bronconnier said public celebration is still welcome, but added safety must be the priority.
"Are we saying to the public that you can't celebrate? Absolutely not," Bronconnier said. "Having said that though, there are still some rules of engagement to a public celebration."
tseskus@theherald.canwest.com
smyers@theherald.canwest.com
New Rules Starting Today:
Traffic restrictions:
- Parking banned along 17th Avenue S. -- from Macleod Trail to 8th Street S.W. -- from 3:30 p.m. to midnight for all remaining Flames games and the playoffs;
- 17th Avenue rerouted to a single lane eastbound from 8th Street S.W. to Macleod Trail;
- Access to 17th Avenue will only be permitted on Macleod Trail, 1st, 2nd and 4th streets.
Other restrictions:
- Strict enforcement of laws on liquor, nudity, nuisance and jaywalking.
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