22 Feb Security & Protest Update - XXI Winter Olympics

[grawp]

Good afternnon, everyone.

Here's the latest Security & Protest Update from the XXI Winter Olympics.

Enjoy!

grawp

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February 22, 2010

In this Issue:
• Somber Sunday Crowds
• Vancouver Liquor Stores Close Early
• YVR Prepares for Olympic Exodus
• Brothers Trigger Avalanche on Whistler
• Upcoming Protest Activity
• OSAC Contact Information


Somber Sunday Crowds

In the wake of Canada’s loss to the US in men’s hockey on Sunday, police expected crowds to flood the streets in the downtown core of Vancouver, anticipating possible violence similar to the riots that took place after Vancouver’s 1994 loss in the Stanley Cup. Instead, the streets emptied quickly after the game, with fans more subdued than angry. Vancouver police and the Integrated Security Unit were again lauded for effectively dealing with the crowds and ensuring public safety throughout the city.

(Source: Canadian Press)


Vancouver Liquor Stores Close Early

Liquor stores closed at 7:00 p.m. Sunday for the second night in a row, at the request of Vancouver police. Police indicate the early closing aids officers’ efforts to curb flagrant liquor consumption and public intoxication, particularly in the Granville Entertainment District. They noted a marked improvement in the atmosphere of crowds from Friday to Saturday night, with far fewer intoxicated individuals. Police poured out 1,600 containers of alcohol in downtown Vancouver on Friday, compared to 800 on Saturday night.

Vancouver police will continue to evaluate the situation and may request additional closures in coming days. The request for early closures of private and government liquor stores will be reviewed on a daily basis by the Liquor Control and Licensing Board.

(Sources: Vancouver Police Department, Vancouver Province)


YVR Prepares for Olympic Exodus

Vancouver’s international airport is preparing for record crowds on March 1. Airport authorities anticipate 39,000 Olympic athletes, media, officials, tourists, and other passengers, with 79,000 pieces of luggage, will descend on YVR to catch their outbound flights on March 1. The previous one-day record of 26,000 passengers was set last August. Airport planning for the Olympics has been ongoing since 2003. In an effort to manage the huge crowds, YVR has built an auxiliary terminal which will process roughly 10,000 (primarily Olympic) passengers on March 1. Both Canadian and U.S. customs have elevated staffing for the Games. Passengers heading to the U.S. can clear customs in the airport. Passengers are advised to arrive at the airport up to 4 hours before their flight is scheduled to depart.

(Source: USA Today)


Brothers Trigger Avalanche on Whistler

Two Vancouver brothers triggered an avalanche on Whistler Mountain, but authorities have noted there will be no effect on the Olympic competition sites. The slide is a few kilometers away from the alpine venue, outside the boundaries of the resort. The alpine venue is within the ski area boundary and is under constant avalanche control. The brothers were skiing outside the marked boundaries of the Whistler-Blackcomb resort and got caught in the Class 3 slide; one brother was swept 600 meters down the slope but ultimately the two were rescued by helicopter.

(Source: CTV)


Upcoming Protest Activity
Share the Gold (February 24)
• Group calling to form a “golden chain of individuals standing 3m apart along either side of Hastings Street for 3 blocks from First United, past Carnegie Community Centre and InSite to Pigeon Park”
• Expected to be peaceful but a possible impediment to traffic

Critical Mass Bike Ride (February 26)
• On the last Friday of every month, cyclists gather at the Vancouver Art Gallery (W. Georgia St. site, 6:00 p.m.) and ride through the streets of Vancouver
• Regular event which is scheduled to take place despite Olympics

Pirates of Justice Flash Mob (February 27)
• A group known as Pirates of Justice is organizing a demonstration to draw attention to working conditions for employees on cruise ships
• The event is scheduled to take place on February 27 at 12:00 p.m.
• A location for the event is not currently available and interested parties are encouraged to sign up on Facebook to receive details on the “secret downtown Vancouver location” closer to the event
• Previous activity from this group has been festive in nature and occurred near Canada Place

Games Over! Resistance Lives! (February 28)
• Demonstration scheduled to take place at the intersection of Smithe and Cambie streets from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
• Event advertised as a “noisy public festival to celebrate our communities and our resistance”

OSAC would like to remind constituents that additional protest and demonstration activity may take place sporadically during the remainder of the Games. Potential rally points may include the Vancouver Art Gallery and the Tent City near E Hastings and Abbott. Constituents are encouraged to report any demonstration activity they observe.

(Sources: Activist websites, YouTube.com, OSAC reporting)

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