‘The Calgary Stampede has always been about bringing our community and our visitors together in celebration and it starts with providing a safe place for them to have fun with their friends and families’
The Calgary Stampede and various organizations are saddled up to make sure the 2024 event runs smoothly and safely for another spectacular year.
Beginning beyond the gates of the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth, 24-hour CTrain service will start the evening of July 4, and end the morning of July 15.
Cory Porter, deputy chief of Vehicle for Hire Public Safety says they understand the “crucial” role Calgary Transit plays in accessing Stampede and for safety, they are increasing peace officer patrols across the transit system.
“The Calgary Stampede has always been about bringing our community and our visitors together in celebration and it starts with providing a safe place for them to have fun with their friends and families,” said Kerrie Blizard, Calgary Stampede public safety and environment director.
Coby Duerr, CEMA deputy chief said they are working closely with the Stampede, the City of Calgary and external agencies to ensure safety.
The Calgary Stampede is using non-potable water where applicable or trucking in water from outside sources to avoid strain on the city’s water system.
Water fountains, hydration stations and misting stations will still be available — although they will only be scaled up if temperatures and the UV Index hit a certain threshold. The Stampede did not provide a specific number as to what that threshold would be.
Blizard said medical teams on site are also prepared with additional ice and cold water to address any overheated guests.
CEMA Chief Sue Henry said, “Public safety is our top priority and all possible planning has been done to make sure it is the best and safest event possible.”
At the various entrances to the park, measures such as bag searches and metal detectors remain in place.
“This year we have increased the number of search lanes and entries so that we can do more thorough searches, while ensuring the lines keep moving,” said Blizard. “If you wouldn’t bring something onto an airplane . . . please don’t bring it to the Stampede.”
Extra indoor room to roam, cool off
“There’s a lot of extra room to roam indoors as well, in air-conditioned spaces,” said Blizard. “We have lots of programming indoors, we have great depth and breadth with air-conditioned spaces for people to take breaks.”
The Coke Stage will be in the same location as the past two years, at a slightly different angle to allow more room for crowds.
New this year, the Coca-Cola ‘Canteen’ will serve beverages and snacks near the stage — and provide VIP seating.
Adam Loria, public education officer with Alberta Health Services EMS highlighted that heat and sun exposure can affect people in a variety of ways, ranging from mild discomfort to, at times, life-threatening illness.
“Essentially, drink lots of water to stay hydrated throughout the day,” said Loria. “Try to avoid alcoholic or caffeinated beverages when possible as these at times do promote dehydration.”
He also said to use sunscreen with an SPF rating of 30 or higher to protect exposed skin.
Large events can be challenging: CPS
As with previous years, CPS will have a “highly visible” presence along the route of Friday’s Stampede parade and at the park throughout the event, said Calgary police Staff Sgt. JF Dery, incident commander of police resources for this year’s Stampede.
The grounds will also operate as a ninth police district with its own dedicated commander, radio channel, patrol officers and office.
“This allows us to coordinate policing throughout the grounds and ensure all parts of the grounds are well-patrolled,” said Dery.
“These large events can be challenging for police, but our service is very used to planning for Stampede.”
Dery said approximately 300,000 people are expected to attend the parade, and that more than one million will come through the gates over the 10 days.
“We plan for that — and protecting all Calgarians and visitors who enjoy this event is a responsibility that we take very seriously.”
— With files from Matt Scace