2006 Calgary Red Mile

[MooseTits]

Anyone else thinks it's going to suck this year because of the cops? I've already seen people get tickets for waving flags and people honking. It's too bad the city can't embrace it and let the minor stuff slide like they did a few years ago. I can only see more problems resulting from this.

EDIT: Just found an interesting article: http://calsun.canoe.ca/News/Columnis...37471-sun.html

[DCat]

Well let's see.....

Young drunk punks shouting at a girl(sometimes in front of their guy) to show us your t1t$... Uhhh no... Not all women are attention whores.

Young drunk people doing the #1 and #2 on someone's lawn.... Uhh no...Not all people are irresponsible.

If you lived down there you might have another opinion...

It won't suck it will be safer.

[MooseTits]

I live right a block from the red mile and it's not that bad. You sound like someone who'd like to live in the US. Yay for police state!

[Spidey]

me, Im all for girls in their 20's flashing. But then thats me

[pfdude]

Anyone else thinks it's going to suck this year because of the cops? I've already seen people get tickets for waving flags and people honking. It's too bad the city can't embrace it and let the minor stuff slide like they did a few years ago. I can only see more problems resulting from this.

EDIT: Just found an interesting article: http://calsun.canoe.ca/News/Columnis...37471-sun.html

Personally, I could care less what goes on there as long as nobody gets hurt and no guys force the girls to do anything they don't want to do.

[DCat]

You sound like someone who'd like to live in the US. Yay for police state!

You are joking, right?

Seriously, I am all for fun too but when it gets in the way of several who aren't into that...well the police actions speak for themselves.

[gsrrr]

http://www.canada.com/calgaryherald/...260e06&k=70215

Nearly 500 caught in Red Mile crackdown
Flames fan plans rally to take back playoff party zone

Emma Poole and Sarah McGinnis Sound Off
Calgary Herald

Wednesday, April 19, 2006
Merle Terleski, one of 72 people ticketed for Red Mile revelry, said police are "bullying fans." He vows to fight in court his $57 fine for honking his horn.

A police crackdown on Calgary's famed Red Mile has already seen revellers hit with 72 tickets and 421 warnings -- for violations such as jaywalking and speeding -- as officials vow to keep a lid on the playoff hot spot in the coming weeks.

But one fan dinged with a $57 summons for honking his horn last week says the enforcement is over the line.

He's urging fans to "Take Back the Red Mile" by attending a rally in front of City Hall on Saturday.

"This is police bullying fans. They're wasting taxpayers' dollars and bullying fans," said Merle Terleski, who plans to fight the ticket in court.

Controversy erupted last week when police announced a zero-tolerance policy for misbehaving partiers on the Red Mile.

The plan also drew sharp comments from Mayor Dave Bronconnier, who spoke out against police for discouraging people from visiting the popular stretch of shops, bars and eateries.

The Red Mile gained international attention in 2004 when massive parties during the Flames' playoff run drew 40,000 people to 17th Avenue S.

Bare-breasted women, drinking in the streets, and public defecation and urination became major issues for local law enforcement.

To curb rowdiness this year, Calgary police have come out in force on game nights.

Police aren't apologizing for their no-nonsense stance.

Officers are there to protect everyone, and that includes people who cross the road against the lights, said Calgary police Insp. Peter Davison.

"All along, we've been saying that, and people have picked up on it," said Davison, commander of the downtown police district. "That road is going to get extremely busy."

But fans should be encouraged to gather and celebrate their favourite team, said Terleski.

Instead, every minor infraction, from horn honking to jaywalking, is being attacked by overzealous police, he said.

Terleski got his ticket for honking his motorcycle horn during the first night of the Calgary Police Service's zero-tolerance

policy.

Police have been working with local businesspeople, who complained the celebrations had impeded shoppers from getting into their stores.

Officers met Tuesday with officials from the Uptown 17 Business Revitalization Zone to discuss their concerns.

Davison said the police have already made a concession on the initial road closures in the area, agreeing to open 4th and 5th streets S.W. on game days.

Of the more than 420 warnings issued by police over four days leading up to the playoffs, 310 were handed out to pedestrians, while the other 110 were given to drivers.

Davison said police hope the cautions will deter to people who might be tempted to push the limits. There's still time for people to modify their behaviour before the crowds start to swell, he said.

Terleski said the new rules are out of control.

He's encouraging all Flames fans to gather Saturday in front of City Hall to fight the policy.

The protest -- Take Back the Red Mile -- will start at 1 p.m., and participants are encouraged to deck out in full Flames regalia.

"It's a happy medium we're calling for," Terleski said. "We don't want complete lawlessness, but we do want to find some sort of middle ground."

He suggested the city dedicate a specific space for fans to gather to celebrate the team's successes.

Both Davison and Ald. Madeleine King say the idea has merit.

"It's occurred to me that this has happened because we don't have much open space around this area. We are horribly short on it," said King.

She hope the coming expansion of the Stampede grounds will allow for a space suitable for high-profile gatherings.

"I am very much hoping that along with Stampede expansion plans will come a plan to include green space," she said.

Until then, both sides acknowledge the Red Mile will continue to be a focal point until the playoffs are over.

The Flames play their first playoff home game Friday night against the Anaheim Mighty Ducks.

[T-Bone]

First of all, it's too bad the team from the center of the universe didn't make it into the playoffs this year. I'm sure all of Canada shed a tear.

Anyway, back to the Red Mile:

What happened to the "freedom of peaceful assembly" granted in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms? I'm waiting for some law students from the U of C to challange the city and the cops.

So here is what the cops are cracking down on:
- Cheering on the streets ie. "Go Flames Go"... ticket.
- Honking your horn in support of the flames...ticket.

I'd say putting a ban on chopper motorcycles and ricer mufflers, the rest of the year, would cut down on 95% of the noise pollution generated on 17th Ave.

[MooseTits]

First of all, it's too bad the team from the center of the universe didn't make it into the playoffs this year. I'm sure all of Canada shed a tear.

Anyway, back to the Red Mile:

What happened to the "freedom of peaceful assembly" granted in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms? I'm waiting for some law students from the U of C to challange the city and the cops.

So here is what the cops are cracking down on:
- Cheering on the streets ie. "Go Flames Go"... ticket.
- Honking your horn in support of the flames...ticket.

I'd say putting a ban on chopper motorcycles and ricer mufflers, the rest of the year, would cut down on 95% of the noise pollution generated on 17th Ave.

I ride a motorcycle myself and totally agree with the above post. I don't mind police protection like we had 2 years ago but it just seems like they're going over the edge this year. We'll be on our patio screeching our airhorns when the Flames score, screw the fun police.

[rc51]

I don't see anything wrong with what the police are doing.

In 2004 people were drunk in public, urinating and defacating on public property..they should be charged and fined for it.

I don't understand why people don't realize that public drunkeness, nudity, honking a car horn w/o reason, jaywalking aren't fineable offenses, which they are.

What the problem is that the police don't enforce these laws elsewhere and consistently, otherwise everyone would be used to it and it would be the norm.

All it takes is just a few rowdies and then you end up having scenarios like in Vancouver

[MooseTits]

I see your point with public urination and defacation and that's fine but don't you see anything wrong with someone getting a ticket for shouting out 'GO FLAMES GO' or waving a flag? I've seen someone getting warned for the first and a ticket for the second now.

There's a reason 2 years ago we didn't riot like Vancouver did when they lost. We did something right and should learn from that. I wouldn't be surprised if there was more crime this year in retaliation to the increased enforcement of ridiculous things like the two mentioned above. Oh well, time will tell I guess.

And for the record, I think the horn honking is great. It keeps me awake for most of the night but I can definitely live with it if it's promoting something positive and only lasts 3 weeks out of the year at most. People who move/live downtown should realize what they're getting themselves into... it's going to be noisy. Too bad gramma never got the memo.

[dark169]

And for the record, I think the horn honking is great. It keeps me awake for most of the night but I can definitely live with it if it's promoting something positive and only lasts 3 weeks out of the year at most. People who move/live downtown should realize what they're getting themselves into... it's going to be noisy. Too bad gramma never got the memo.

unless of course grandma has lived there longer then the flames have been in town.

I think last time we got lucky. If something had happend people would have screamed bloody murder at why the police let it get so big.

I guess friday night is going to be the ultimate test. i think the police know better then to attempt to over enforce a mob.

[Shaner]

Both sides are in the wrong on this. Blame the police if you want, but half the blame falls with the red mile crowd.

If it weren't for the ******* pissing, crapping, vomitting, fighting, darting into traffic while drunk, etc. then the police wouldn't even be bothering.

But at the same time, the police need to be flexible. People honking their horns aren't hurting anyone, even though it is against the law.

As for the public nudity, yes it's illegal and yes people are complaining, but I just can't bring myself to bad mouth hot girls who take their clothes off in public. I love hot women who flash in public. All the more power to them!!!

[Evil Baby]

If this was Toronto we'd be encouraging it. Think of the money it would bring in


Guess Calgary can afford to let extra revenue slide. Damn you and your oil!!!!!!!

[bionicbadger]

Big surprise, rowdy drunks cause a bunch of trouble. Cop ends up needing stitches. This is what they want to try to limit.

http://calsun.canoe.ca/News/Alberta/...58681-sun.html

Police issue 782 warnings, lay 15 charges and arrest 12 as crowd hits 18,000