Urinating in public still a problem outside Rogers Place

Edmonton hockey fans going to games at Rogers Place are still not getting the message about peeing in public, says Coun. Scott McKeen.

"Many of these fans participate in the Canadian tradition of mixing various amounts of beer and or other beverages with spectatorship," McKeen said Tuesday.

"Unfortunately for downtown residents that I'm hearing from, inevitable fluid dynamics results in less-than-civil behaviour."

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People are using residential entryways, alcoves, alleys and streets as "impromptu urinals," McKeen told a city council meeting.

"That is the equivalent of going out to somebody's neighbourhood and walking up to their front step and peeing on it."

The word among residents is that people are not being ticketed for this behaviour, he said.

Raising theissue is a reminder for people to use the washrooms in Rogers Place before they leave the arena, he added.

"You input, you output and we want those outputs to be right into the sewer system."

City staff were asked to provide a report with the number of public urination tickets that have been issued during the playoffs, and explain what "practical remedies" are in place to deal with the problem.

The ticket carries a $500fine.

A city spokesperson later told CBC News the city hasn'tissued any tickets during the playoffs.

McKeensaid he's disappointed that police have not handed out any tickets.

"It's disappointing," he said. "I mean, I don't have sworn testimony or anything, but I've heard from people that this has been fairly obvious and that there were police in the area. I totally get that police have higher priorities. But sometimes it's keeping ahead of the little things and that's a real reflection of peoples' attitudes."

City staffhave also been asked to provide advice for downtown residents on how best to register complaints about people they see urinating.

Residents who contact police are being told to contact the city's call centre 311, and those who contact the call centre are told to talk with police, McKeen said.

Long-term solution needed

A report will come back to council in August.

A long-term solution is needed to deal with the issue, Mayor Don Ivesonsaid.

"We're going to need to put solutions in place for next season for sure," he said. "If there are temporary measures in the way of port-a-potties then I think that's worth looking at."

The Edmonton Oilers play the Anaheim Ducks on Wednesday in Game 7 of their second-round playoff battle. The game is in Anaheim but will be televised for a sold-out Rogers Place crowd.

Should the Oilersadvance, some action will need to be taken for future games, said McKeen.

"I think on some of this stuff we can react pretty quickly," he said.