Organizers of the Canada Cup football tournament have had to make last-minute changes to their transportation plans after an incident at an LRT station in Edmonton. The tournament, which is taking place this month, brings together 400 players, parents, and coaching staff from eight football teams representing eight provinces.
Initially, the organizers had hoped to utilize the LRT system to transport participants, citing environmental friendliness and convenience as the main reasons. However, an unfortunate incident occurred last Saturday at the South Campus/Fort Edmonton Park LRT station involving members of Team Alberta. They were approached by an agitated individual who allegedly brandished a weapon, prompting the team to swiftly vacate the premises.
In response to this incident, Football Alberta, the organization hosting the event, quickly arranged for charter buses to replace the LRT transportation. While the exact cost of this deviation from the original plan is yet to be determined, the total expenses for the event are estimated to be around $700,000, and the additional charge will add to that figure.
Tim Enger, the executive director of Football Alberta, expressed concern for the safety of the athletes and coaching staff, prioritizing their well-being over financial considerations. He acknowledged that some provinces had previously expressed apprehension regarding the tournament’s safety, but assured them that everything would be acceptable. Enger also expressed disappointment on behalf of the city and Edmonton Events, who have been supporting the tournament.
Team Quebec’s head coach, Alex Surprenant, shared a different perspective, stating that such incidents are not uncommon in urban areas and that his team remains unfazed. Team Quebec is currently preparing for the gold medal game scheduled for Saturday and has been enjoying their time in Edmonton.
The City of Edmonton, in a statement to CTV News, acknowledged the safety concerns facing transit systems in big cities across Canada due to factors such as the pandemic, the opioid crisis, and housing challenges. They stressed their commitment to improving safety and the perception of safety in transit spaces through various measures.
Despite the unfortunate incident, Enger expressed his hope for future safety improvements and his desire to utilize the LRT system for the upcoming world cup event that Football Alberta will host next year. He believes that discussions with the city can lead to solutions that allow the tournament to make the most of the LRT’s advantages.
In conclusion, the organizers of the Canada Cup football tournament have decided to switch from using the LRT system to charter buses after an incident at an LRT station. Safety concerns and the well-being of the participants outweighed the potential increase in expenses. While some expressed disappointment, others remained unfazed, recognizing that such incidents can occur in urban areas. The City of Edmonton acknowledged the challenges faced by transit systems in major cities and assured their commitment to addressing safety concerns. Moving forward, the organizers hope for safety improvements that will enable them to utilize the LRT system for future events.
