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Calgary Herald

'Safety remains a top priority': Calgary safety agencies prepare for Stampede

Ahead of Sneek-a-Peek on Thursday and the first official day of The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth on Friday, Calgary Stampede and its safety partners shared how they plan to keep their anticipated 1.3 million visitors safe for the 10 days of festivities. Article content Director of public safety and environment for the Calgary Stampede, Kerri Blizard, said that they are excited to welcome everyone to the grounds for 2025, adding that safety remains a top priority for everyone. Article content Article content Article content 'We have several measures in place to ensure our guests celebrate safely when they step into Stampede Park,' Blizard said. 'These measures will be familiar to those who've stepped onto Stampede Park before, including walk-through metal detectors, wands, bag searches at the entrance and cameras located throughout Stampede Park.' Article content Article content 'If you wouldn't bring it on a plane, please don't bring it to Stampede Park,' she said. Article content Calgary Emergency Management Safety Chief Sue Henry said their group has been working very closely with Calgary Stampede organizers, Calgary Police Service, and other external agencies to make sure the event goes off without a hitch, pun intended. Article content 'We have done extensive planning to make sure that it is as safe as possible for everyone to enjoy,' Henry said. 'That said, we do have plans and contingencies in place to make sure that we can respond to any changing conditions as they occur.' Article content Article content Article content With a heat warning in effect from Environment and Climate Change Canada Wednesday, all attendees are asked to take extra care whether they are attending the parade or roaming the grounds. Article content At the first sight of anyone experiencing distress, Henry said to immediately dial 911. Article content 'That said, we don't want you to call 911 by accident,' Henry said. 'Accidental calls can take a lot of time away from actual emergencies. If you are going on a ride, consider leaving your phone with a trusted friend, turning it off for the duration of the ride, or turn off the Crash Detection feature so you don't accidentally call 911.'