(This story and its headline have been changed for clarification since they were first posted Sept. 8.)
Mayor Gregor Robertson clarified through a spokesperson Friday that the city will not ask Canucks Sports and Entertainment, the ownership group of the citys NHL franchise, to pay any part of the multimillion-dollar bill for the June 15 riot that followed the hockey teams lucrative but underwhelming, goalless performance in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup final.
On Tuesday he was asked if the Canucks should contribute to policing costs for public events that directly benefit and enhance their brand. He was asked if the Canucks were in any way financially accountable for the riot.
"Thats definitely an open discussion and one that we need to have with the Canucks and the league and make sure that its equitable, that the costs related to big celebrations are borne by everyone who is benefiting from it, he said. Its been a difficult conversation in the past and there
hasnt been willingness but given whats happened, Im hopeful that there is some receptiveness with that going forward.
He said he wants the city to work in partnership with the NHL and the
Canucks in the event of future playoffs.
Most leagues or organizing bodies are involved when there is a big final
like this, whether its FIFA or the IOC or the NBA or NFL. Weve seen the leagues actually participate, the teams participate proactively. We want to see that again next time, said Robertson, pointing to the citys
partnership with the Canadian Football League in advance of Novembers Grey Cup at B.C. Place. We want to see that style. That seems to be the best practices globally and we dont have that here, he said, presumably meaning with the NHL.
He then said the city would make an official request of the Canucks. After the Couriers initial story, Robertson clarified through a spokesperson that he did not intend to ask for retroactive payment but instead indicated any conversations with the Canucks will be forward-looking and not about the June 15 riot.
I havent asked yet," he said Tuesday. "Weve had some informal
conversations about that, going into this playoffs and I think in past
playoffs this has come up, but we dont have a formal request in yet. Those are discussions that are going to happen, though.
Business sports analyst and brand communications specialist Tom Mayenknecht believes Canucks Sports and Entertainment can improve its standing in the broader community by offering to contribute to riot costs, as well as future public events, rather than wait to be asked.
Its in the franchises best interest to not let these kinds things just happen on the backs of taxpayers because of the fact that their brand benefits. But it can be more than just a cash contribution, he said, adding the club could contribute its considerable experience in event management.
Mayenknecht, who holds Canucks season tickets, estimated the Vancouver hockey club grossed as much as $40 million during the playoffs.
It doesnt take long to say even a percentage point contribution would have bolstered the security that was deployed that night, he noted.
There is no rule that says the franchise needs to behave a certain way in the community, but I think there is a tremendous opportunity for the Canucks given how successful they are, given how great a job they do running their businessthat going forward they consider being a part of the solution.
The overall cost of policing and managing the crowded fan zone on Georgia Street during the seven-game playoff series was more than $1.3 million, according to a city review of the causes, consequences and costs of the riot. That total grows by $466,000 following one night of destruction.
The citys review castigates the NHL, which in spite of four Stanley Cup riots in the last five years have no approach, no policy and no apparent strategy to work with host franchises and municipalities on this issue which clearly will over time threaten the value and perception of their brand, states the citys report.
The Canucks organization last week announced a responsible fan behaviour marketing campaign that will employ television, Internet and billboard advertising as well as in-house announcements at Rogers Arena.
Twitter: @MHStewart
