Calgary police are bracing for an influx of motorcycle gang members in the metropolitan area— including the Hells Angels — for a planned gathering on Friday.
The police did not confirm the location or scope of the gathering but advised residents to remain vigilant.
The Calgary Police Service (CPS) says residents can expect to see a heightened police presence across the city during the event, with officers closely monitoring participants and enforcing all applicable laws, including the Traffic Safety Act.
While police say there is no specific threat to public safety, they are taking the gathering seriously.
"Motorcycle gangs host several events across Canada every year, and historically, these types of gatherings have passed without incident," the CPS said in a statement.
Officers will be documenting activity throughout the weekend and will treat any infractions as they would with any other citizen, police added.
A group of bikers, including members of the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club, have ridden through Cochrane before. In one case, about 100 bikers from clubs across the province stopped in Cochrane for ice cream in 2016 with a heavy police presence following. It went without incident.
The Hells Angels have had a Calgary chapter since July 20, 1997. According to news archives, the gang held a large gathering in the city in 2017 to mark 20 years since the patch over ceremony that symbolized the Hells Angels taking over the Alberta Grim Reapers.
A chapter was also established in Lethbridge in July 2024.
The CPS is urging Calgarians to report any suspicious behaviour linked to outlaw motorcycle gangs by calling 9-1-1 for a crime in progress, the non-emergency line at 403-266-1234 or by anonymously contacting Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, visiting www.calgarycrimestoppers.org or using the P3 Tips app.