Staying safe and getting around the 2018 Calgary Stampede and parade

The Calgary Stampede – synonymous with eating an entire bag of mini donuts, spontaneously yelling “yahoo” (not “yeehaw”) and suits replaced by cowboy boots. Whatever your plans may be, here’s how we can help you stay safe, giddy up n’ go.

Stampede week

24 hour CTrain service

After a long day of Stampede fun, we’re here for you with 24 hour CTrain service. ‘Round the clock service begins the evening of July 5 and ends the late evening of July 15.

CTrain schedule during the Stampede:

• Every five to eight minutes from 6 a.m. to 12:45 a.m.
• Every 15 to 30 minutes from 12:45 a.m. to 5 a.m.

Discounted transit day passes

Discounted passes are available at 7-Eleven, Mac’s, Safeway, City Hall Cashiers and Calgary Transit Customer Service Centres. During the 10 days of Stampede, they will also be available through ticket vending machines located at CTrain stations for use on the same day.

Stampede transit day passes are valid for one full day (until 4 a.m. of the following day) between July 5 and 15. To validate the pass, scratch the day you are travelling prior to boarding a CTrain or bus.

The special price for adult day passes is $6.50 (reg. $10.50) and youth day passes are $4.50 (reg. $7.50).

Road closures

There will be a number of road closures during the Stampede that may affect your commute.

Stampede Parade day

Parade day road and parkade closures, bus detours

Road and parking impacts on parade day will include several parking lot closures. If you’re coming to the parade, we encourage you to walk, bike or use transit to get into the downtown core.

Find a comprehensive list of bus detours and info on how to take transit to the parade on Calgary Transit's website.

Road closures and bus route detours become effective at 7:30 a.m. and end around 2 p.m.

Viewing the parade

We've reserved and will monitor eight accessible Stampede Parade viewing zones along the parade route for people with mobility challenges (canes, walkers, wheelchairs, scooters) and their friends and families.

Space is limited, so get there early. Look for barricades and signs. If space remains in the viewing areas after 8 a.m., they will be opened up to the public on a first-come, first-served basis.

The City in action

Street sweeper critters have been a Stampede tradition for nearly 15 years, bringing joy to parade goers and youth at the Children's Hospital that are unable to travel to the Stampede parade - the most rewarding event of the year, according to street sweeper operators.

Taxi, limousine and ridesharing

Plan your ride for when your boots are done scootin’.

Taxis, limousine and rideshare companies are regulated by The City of Calgary and have to meet City safety standards. Check the identity of both the driver and their vehicle before you get in. Find more tips on passenger safety here.

Find out more at calgary.ca/stampede.

2017 Calgary Stampede & Parade - getting around and staying safe

It's that time of year when many Calgarians step out of their suits and into their boots, spontaneously yell "yahoo" and consume more deep fried food in one sitting than the rest of the year combined. As the Calgary Stampede approaches, we're here to help you get there and stay safe.

Photo courtesy of Alexandra Chubachi

STAMPEDE WEEK

Biking & walking
From Friday July 7 to Sunday, July 16, cycling will be restricted on Stephen Avenue from 10:30 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. If you are riding your bike, please dismount and walk it during this time.

24 Hour CTrain Service
‘Round the clock service begins Thursday, July 6, evening and ends late in the evening on Sunday, July 16.
CTrain Schedule during Stampede:

• Every 5 - 8 min. - 6:00 a.m. to 12:45 a.m.
• Every 30 min. - 12:45 a.m. to 5:00 a.m.

Discounted Transit Day Passes
The transit day passes are available starting June 1 at our Customer Service Centres, 7-Eleven, Mac’s and Safeway stores. Adult day passes are $6.50, (reg. $10.00) and Youth day passes are $4.50 (reg. $7.00).

During the 10 days of Stampede, day passes will also be available through ticket vending machines located at CTrain stations. To validate the pass, scratch the day you are travelling prior to boarding a CTrain or bus. The pass will be valid until 4 a.m. the following day.

Road closures
There will be a number of road closures to accommodate events all over the city during the Calgary Stampede (July 7-16).

STAMPEDE PARADE DAY

Parade day road & parkade closures, bus detours
Road and parking impacts on parade day will include several parking lot closures. Spectators travelling to the Stampede Parade are encouraged to walk, bike or use transit to get into the downtown core.

Find a comprehensive list of bus detours and info on how to take transit to the parade on Calgary Transit's website.

Road closures and bus route detours become effective at 7:30 a.m. and end around 2 p.m.

Viewing the parade
We've reserved and will monitor eight accessible Stampede Parade viewing zones along the parade route for people with mobility challenges (canes, walkers, wheelchairs, scooters) and their friends/families.

Space is limited, so get there early! Look for barricades and signs. If space remains in the viewing areas after 8 a.m., they will be opened up to the public on a first-come, first-served basis.

THE CITY IN ACTION

Street sweeper critters have been a Stampede tradition for nearly 15 years, bringing joy to parade goers and youth at the Children's Hospital that are unable to travel to the Stampede parade - the most rewarding event of the year, according to street sweeper operators.

City staff collaborate across many departments to ensure the event flows smoothly and safely:

• Parking and traffic control will be coordinated by the Calgary Parking Authority (CPA), Roads, Calgary Police Service (CPS) and Community Standards.
• Calgary Emergency Management Agency will open the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) and activate the Municipal Emergency Plan during the Stampede Parade to monitor and assist as required. 
• CPS have collocated their Tactical Operations Centre in the EOC. This will help to ensure the facilitation of a collaborative, coordinated and multi stakeholder response.
• Fire, Bylaw and CPS officers will be onsite and in communication for the duration of the Parade for immediate response.

Other Useful Info

• calgary.ca/calgarystampede
• Calgary Police Stampede safety tips
• Taxi, Limousine & Ridesharing - Passenger Safety Tips

Meet Daisy, Barlow, Chestnut & Outlaw

Yahoo! Today is the day our new street sweeper Critters have been waiting for — their very first Stampede Parade!

Since 2001, the Roads Maintenance Critters have been cleaning up along the Calgary Stampede Parade route. Last year, after 13 years of service, Dixie, Samson, Rocky and Alfalfa hung up their cowboy hats and headed for greener pastures.

Since their retirement, The City has been working to design and build four new Critters, including a horse, a cow, a bull and a buffalo, to replace the old crew.

But they needed names, so we held a contest asking Calgarians to help us with that.
Over 100 Calgarians suggested more than 80 names over two weeks during The City’s Stampede Critters naming contest.  Name suggestions came in through The City’s social media channels on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and the Calgary City News blog.

Names suggestions were compiled and presented to City Roads staff who voted over four days and the results are in:

Horse: Chestnut
Buffalo: Barlow
Bull: Outlaw
Cow: Daisy

All those who suggested the winning names were entered into a random draw for a chance to ride in their Critter’s sweeper in the Parade.

Congratulations to Marie Smalls, Amber Cannon, Laura Jacobs (pictured) and Laura Betton.

"I entered because the thought of winning and being in the parade was always dream of mine. Also, I thought it would be cool to name one of the sweepers. They always get the loudest cheers," says Marie.

Follow us on Twitter this morning @yyctransport to see them in action.

And happy 2015 Stampede to everyone!

The City's guide to Stampede parading

It's that time of year again... rodeos, midway, shows, exhibitions and everything country. Those of us who know it, know it well.

The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth kicks off tomorrow with the Stampede Parade and The City will be there to help you get around, view the parade, clean up and stay safe.

Getting around
Biking & Walking
Cycle your way down to the Stampede Parade using the city centre cycle track network or ride along part of Calgary's 800 kms of pathways and bikeways.

Take extra caution when passing through intersections. Most Stampede time pedestrian collisions occur on Friday and happen at traffic signals, when vehicles are making right hand turns. It’s important to watch out for one another so we can all enjoy a safe Stampede.

Calgary Transit
Effective the evening before parade day, 'round the clock transit service and discounted day passes will be available for Stampede week.

During the parade about 350,000 float-fanatics line the 4.5 km parade route, so many downtown transit routes will be on detour. Thousands make their way to the Stampede Grounds afterwards and can use bus, CTrain and walking options from the parade to the grounds.

Transit impacts on parade day will include detours for some regular and express bus services.

Driving
There will be a number of road closures to accommodate events all over the city during the Calgary Stampede (July 3-12). Spectators travelling to the Stampede Parade are encouraged to walk, bike or use transit to get into the downtown core.

Road and parking impacts on parade day will include several parking lot closures.

Viewing the parade
The City has reserved and will monitor eight accessible Stampede Parade viewing zones along the parade route for people with mobility challenges (canes, walkers, wheelchairs, scooters) and their friends/families.

Space is limited, so get there early! Look for barricades and signs. If space remains in the viewing areas after 8 a.m., they will be opened up to the public on a first-come, first-served basis.

The City in action
Street sweeper critters have been a Stampede tradition for nearly 15 years, bringing joy to parade goers and youth at the Children's Hospital that are unable to travel to the Stampede parade --  the most rewarding event of the year, according to street sweeper operators.

Representatives from Calgary Stampede, Public Safety Communications,
 Calgary Police Service, Calgary Fire Department, Alberta Health Services,
Animal & Bylaw Services, and Inspections and Permits

City staff collaborate across many departments to ensure the event flows smoothly and safely:

• Parking and traffic control will be coordinated by the Calgary Parking Authority (CPA), Roads, Calgary Police Service (CPS) and Animal & Bylaw Services (ABS).
• Calgary Emergency Management Agency will open the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) and activate the Municipal Emergency Plan during the Stampede Parade to monitor and assist as required. 
• CPS have collocated their Tactical Operations Centre in the EOC. This will help to ensure the facilitation of a collaborative, coordinated and multi stakeholder response.
• Fire, ABS and CPS officers will be onsite and in communication for the duration of the Parade for immediate response.

Other Useful Info

• Calgary.ca/calgarystampede
• Calgary Police Stampede safety tips

Stampede Critters are back! Suggest a name to win your spot in the Stampede Parade.

This summer the Critters are back!

Last year we said farewell to our Calgary Stampede street sweeping Critters. For 13 years Dixie, Samson, Rocky and Alfalfa kept the Calgary Stampede parade route clean on parade day.

Since the Critters’ retirement last year, The City has worked to design and build four new Critters, including a horse, a cow, a bull and a buffalo, to replace the old crew.

click to enlarge photo

“The Critters have been a Stampede tradition for nearly 15 years,” said Roads Director, Troy McLeod.  “We received feedback from Calgarians who were disappointed when we retired the Critters last year so we wanted to continue the tradition for visitors and Calgarians enjoyment for many years to come.”

The Critters aren’t just a part of the annual parade. They are also taken to the Alberta’s Children’s Hospital for the kids to enjoy during Stampede.

“We are also glad to be able to bring some joy to the youth unable to travel to the Stampede parade and our operators say it is the most rewarding event of the year to support.” said McLeod.

The Critters were designed and built in Calgary by Heavy Industries; you may recognize some of their work including Wonderland (the head at The Bow building). They are made out of light weight material and are fitted specifically to our new fleet of street sweepers which will make it easier for the operators to see during the parade. They’re also waterproof which will help keep the new Critters in good condition for years to come.

Before the new Critters make their debut at this year’s Calgary Stampede Parade on July 3, they need names! So we’re hosting a naming contest on The City’s social media channels.

Stampede Critters Naming Contest

This is your chance to name a Stampede Critter and be in the Calgary Stampede Parade!

Here’s how it will work:

• Starting today, Friday, June 12, we’re encouraging Calgarians to post your name suggestions on The City’s social media channels. There’s several different ways you can do it:
• Leave a comment at the bottom of this blog post with a name suggestion
• Respond to either @cityofcalgary or @yyctransport on twitter using #stampedecritters 
• Comment on The City of Calgary’s Facebook page
• Comment on The City of Calgary’s Instragram pictures
• The contest will be open for two weeks, ending on Friday, June 26.
• Once submissions have been collected, City staff will vote on your suggestions to name the Critters.
• Participants who suggested winning names will be put in a draw to win a ride-along in a Stampede sweeper during the parade. Four winners will be selected and the names will be announced before the Stampede parade.

So what are you waiting for? Get your name suggestion in today and you could be riding in the 2015 Calgary Stampede Parade on July 3!