And we remember how well that went for public safety last time.
The city cannot afford another bungled job, so they have already announced plans for how to handle the crowds: Community centers.
The last time, Vancouver police were operating off the same mentality they used during the Olympic Winter Games. Fun, friendly, buddy-buddy. That didn't work out so well with 150,000 drunk, disappointed, angry and jam-packed fans. So they rioted because there was no police. Okay, there were police, but not the "we'll arrest you police" but the "I'm here to party too!" police.
This time, Mayor Gregor Robertson said there is a plan which will be rolled out if the hometown Canucks advance to the third and fourth rounds of the playoffs. The city's goal would be to hold small, family-oriented events in neighbourhoods outside the downtown core, at community centres and block parties. No large screens will be set up by the city.
This is different from the position the mayor took in September when he said he was not willing to cancel large outdoor events.
A cooler head prevailed. Wonder if it's an election season or if the bill had been totalled for the damages to city and its reputation.
This does not mean that the city of Vancouver will be forcefully void of fans, says Police Chief Chu. People who venture downtown would have to find room at private indoor venues, such as bars and restaurants. "Our focus is to make it safe for you to enjoy our city. You are not welcome in Vancouver if you intend to engage in public drinking, hooliganism and criminal behaviour."
He said this to clarify an earlier statement at a Vancouver police board meeting, where he said the philosophy for the playoffs this year is "don't come downtown."
"At all times and during the hockey playoffs, the Vancouver police are encouraging people to come downtown to enjoy our bars, restaurants, arenas, theatres, shopping and street ambience," Chu said.
The NHL Playoffs start April 11.
