Jets’ fans keeping it civil as club makes playoff run: Winnipeg police

Set up for the city’s second White-Out party is underway and it appears fans of the NHL club have been keeping the celebrations civil, with police and a neighbour of the party saying things are going smoothly, but not everyone is behind the play-off bash.

Police saw no uptick during game one and any issues were minor in nature; like dangerous drone usage. 

RELATED: Drone operators being investigated after several caught at White-Out party: Winnipeg police

Const. Jason Michalyshen saying while there was an increased police presence, the permitting process and communication with organizers allowed the special-event unit to prepare without affecting frontline staffing. 

“We’re all going to celebrate a little bit differently and I just think it’s being mindful of how we’re celebrating in that moment … let’s just be respectful to one another and carry on that respect for our community and the respect for our team,” explained Const. Michalyshen. 

But for some who work in the area, they feel the parties are problematic, snarling traffic and transit. 

“On game days, it is almost faster to walk, it is so slow to leave downtown. The other day, it took me 40 minutes, just to leave downtown,” said Sonja Kleiman.

Kleiman says she wants a more vibrant downtown, but it can’t be at the expense of people who live and work there every day. 

“Flyovers by jets. I’m sure it looks good on paper, but people hate that. I know more people that hate it than like it,” said Kleiman. 

Kevin Donnelly the Senior VP of Venues & Entertainment, True North Sports and Entertainment says, “I would ask them to understand the bigger picture. Currently, we’ve done this one time and hopefully, we’re going to do it 16 times this season — and 16 out of 365 — that’s not a big ask.” 

Donnelly says for those who dread the events, they’re asking them to make an exception, saying high attendance is a sign of the clubs’ strength.

“I think it’s remarkable. I think we’ve got a story here that other markets don’t have.”

Some neighbours– like the Holy Trinity Anglican Church — say while the event can be a lot, it’s worth it, each playoff party bringing with it a generous donation for the church’s lunch program.

“It’s chaotic. It’s fun, but it does bring some confusion,” said Sandra Bender, Peoples’ Warden at Holy Trinity. “Essentially the longer we’re sharing space with True North the more we’ll actually benefit from it, so I’m all for it.”