A massive tent, scores of porta-potties and a convoy of party supply trucks have been spotted near Calgary’s eastern limits -- preparations for the 500 bikers expected to roar into the city this weekend to celebrate the twentieth anniversary of the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club’s Calgary chapter as well as the Angels’ annual national rally.
“Just like any other major event that takes place in the city, the Calgary Police Service will be monitoring it, in this case in conjunction with the RCMP and other law enforcement agencies from across Canada,” Calgary Police Acting Supt. Joe Brar told reporters on Thursday.
“In 2014 we had a similar event at the Southland chapter. It was their five-year anniversary party and about 300 members attended and there was no real issue.”
People who live near the Angels’ Southland clubhouse say their only issue in 2014 was engine noise.
“When 150 bikes take off in duets and rev to make sure that the neighbours know that they're here,” area resident Chris Mayor told CTV Calgary. Police, Mayor said, also make their presence known.
“We're very safe here,” she added. “And I don't think the Hells Angels would like any mischief in their neighbourhood.”
Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT), however, says that outlaw motorcycle gangs contributed to a record year of organized crime in the province. ALERT says there are currently 245 criminal networks active in Alberta.
“They can do all sorts of business through drug trafficking, gun trafficking and that poses a big risk to the community,” Insp. Patty McCallum told CTV Edmonton.
As for this weekend’s event, police don’t expect any trouble but want Calgarians to know that they will be watching things closely.
“There’s no need to call us if they see a bunch of motorcycles driving down the street,” Brar said. “However if they observe any kind of criminality we encourage the public to reach out to us.”
With files from CTV Calgary
