Watch above: It’s been an unprecedented day for Canada and what happened out east is already having an impact in Edmonton. Security was beefed up at Rexall Place for the Oilers game Wednesday night. But as Eric Szeto reports, that wasn’t the only change Edmontonians noticed.
EDMONTON – Hockey fans heading to the Edmonton Oilers game at Rexall Place Wednesday night were asked to arrive early, as security measures were increased after a Canadian solider was shot and killed at the War Memorial in Ottawa.
“(The) NHL has asked to enhance security out of respect for what happened in Ottawa,” said Jennifer Sheehan with Northlands. “We always have procedures in place to protect our patrons and our guests. However, we have made enhancements for tonight’s game.”
The doors at Rexall Place opened at 6 p.m. for the 7:30 p.m. game against the Washington Capitals. Those streaming into the arena didn’t seem to mind the heightened security measures.
“They could strip us naked if they wanted. As long as we’re safe. That’s the way I look at it,” said an Oilers fan at Wednesday’s game.
“You need to do it, you need to do it,” added a fellow fan. “It’s terrible news in Ottawa.”
Other heightened security measures were taken in and around Edmonton, and across the country, Wednesday following the tragic events in Ottawa.
While the province said it has no reason to believe there was a threat at the Alberta Legislature, two sheriffs were standing outside the building Wednesday morning. All public and school tours were also cancelled at the legislature.
READ MORE: Security vigilant at Alberta Legislature and Edmonton military base
Two Catholic schools in northwest Edmonton were put on alert due to the situation. Under the alert, students were not able to go outside for recess and the doors to the school remained locked.
CFB Cold Lake implemented additional “domestic force protection measures.”