Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics: Situation Report #11

UNCLAS VANCOUVER 000090 SENSITIVE SIPDIS STATE FOR DS/TIA STATE FOR DS/DSS/DO STATE FOR DS/P/MECU STATE FOR DS/DO/P STATE FOR DS/ICI/CI STATE FOR DS/T/ATA STATE FOR DS/TIA/ITA STATE FOR DS/TIA/PII STATE FOR DS/TIA/CC STATE FOR S/CT STATE FOR CA/OCS/ACS/WHA STATE FOR DS/IP/WHA STATE FOR WHA/CAN E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ASEC KOLY CASC CA PTER AMGT PINR OVIP SUBJECT: Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics: Situation Report #11 ¶1. (SBU) The following report provides security-related information for the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games as of noon on February 21, 2010. Please visit the following link for additional classified reporting: https://nol.nctc.sgov.gov/ng/cgi-bin/nctcHome .cgi?event=Vancouver_2 ¶010. The interagency USG Joint Operations Center can be contacted on a 24-hour basis at 604-692-2509, ext 4013. ¶2. (U//FOUO//LES) Officials are currently unaware of any specific, credible threats to the Games. Though the frequency of organized demonstrations has diminished since February 15, ad hoc protest activity at event and public locations remains a concern. Canadian security officials indicate anti-Olympics groups may stage limited demonstrations as the Games draw to a close. SECURITY ISSUES ¶3. (U//FOUO//LES) U.S.-Canada Hockey Game Could Spur Public Disorder - Local law enforcement authorities are concerned over the potentially contentious nature of today's U.S. - Canada match - to be held at 4:40 at Canada Hockey Place - and its impact on public order. Canada Hockey Place will cease liquor sales early in the third period to address crowd control issues. The venue is located within blocks of Vancouver's entertainment district, primary pedestrian corridors, and many hotels; authorities expect a charged atmosphere among fans with implications for the aforementioned areas. ¶4. (U//FOUO//LES) Games Draw Record Numbers of Revelers - Local press report a recent, general increase in crowds - 150,000 on the evening of February 20 - and public revelry on Vancouver's streets. Adequate law enforcement resources appear on hand for the growing number of generally well-behaved revelers in the downtown area, though drinking in public and criminal behavior is not tolerated. As a preventative measure, the Vancouver Police Department (VPD) asked the B.C. Liquor and Licensing Branch for assistance with a 7 p.m. closing time for public and private liquor stores in the downtown area this weekend. ; Protests: ¶5. (U) February 20 Protest Activity - The peaceful "Rally for National Housing" drew 200 to 300 activists who remained near the Art Gallery and dispersed without incident by 2 p.m. Local law enforcement was commensurate with the nature of the event. ¶6. (U) Current Protest Activity - There are no Olympics-related protests scheduled for today, February 21. ¶7. (SBU) Anticipated Protest Activity - Bicyclists and skaters plan to participate in a "Critical Mass Bike Ride" departing from the Vancouver Art Gallery around 6 p.m. on February 26. This recurring event is taking place as regularly scheduled and is not anti-Olympics in nature; however, the route is unknown and could affect the Men's Hockey Semi-Final game at 6:30 p.m. at Canada Hockey Place. Minor traffic disruptions are expected. ¶8. (SBU) A "Games Over! Resistance Lives!" demonstration is scheduled to occur from 1 to 3 p.m. on February 28 at the intersection of Smithe and Cambie streets. The event is advertised as a "noisy public festival to celebrate our communities and our resistance" Incidents: ¶9. (U) Violent Altercation Near USA House and Popular Tourist Area - VPD reports a 30 year-old Vancouver man is recovering in the hospital after he was "slashed" during an altercation in the 1100 block of Granville Street at 2 a.m. on February 20. A 23-year-old Vancouver man, known to police, was arrested and is facing a charge of aggravated assault. The VPD Robbery/Assault Squad is continuing the investigation. The incident occurred a short distance from the USA House and in an area heavily frequented by pedestrians. Threats: ¶10. (SBU) At this time, there are no known specific, credible transnational terrorist threats against the Vancouver Olympics. SECURITY OPERATIONS ¶11. (SBU) Other than scheduled USOC and team movements, no major Olympics-related security operations have transpired during this reporting period. ¶12. (SBU) DHS Secretary Napolitano, Health and Human Services Secretary Sebelius, and Ambassador to the USUN Susan Rice will visit Vancouver from February 25 to March 1 and attend the closing ceremonies. PUBLIC AFFAIRS/PUBLIC DIPLOMACY ¶13. There is no significant information or activity to report. CONSULAR ISSUES ¶14. No significant cases to report. ¶15. Consular staff on notice regarding potential issues related to USA-Canada men's hockey game this PM POLITICAL/GENERAL ISSUES ¶16. Unseasonably warm weather conditions continue in the Vancouver area. A schedule and results of all competitions throughout the Games can be found at http://www.vancouver2010.com/olympic-schedule -results/. CHICOLA