Queen City Ex introduces new safety measures

There will be screams of excitement and mouths full of mini donuts as the second day of the Queen City Ex gets underway.

But while the exhibition is all about having fun, a trend of bear spray attacks in the last couple of years has dampened an otherwise exciting time for carnival goers.

Both the 2021 and 2022 editions of the exhibition saw bear spray attacks affecting more than 100 people over the two years. In recent days, bear spray incidents have also affected the annual fair in Prince Albert.

Roberta Engel, the REAL District’s acting president and CEO, said they’ve increased security at this year’s exhibition as a result.

“Any fair has its own security concerns and issues,” said Engel.

The Queen City Ex has added extra security measures this year after bear spray incidents in at recent exhibitions. (Kaleb Sebastian/980 CJME)

“This year, REAL has decided to put in metal detectors and increase security measures. We hope that this brings a level of comfort to those families and to our community and all visitors that you know, hey, this is a safe place to be.”

Engel said REAL takes safety seriously, but noted the metal detectors might cause longer lines at the gates. She gave some advice on how to make the process quicker and easier, so you can go ride the new X Drive and not be stuck in the security line.

“If it doesn’t fit in my pocket, I don’t bring it,” Engel said. “But if you do bring a purse, even if you have a clear bag, that will help with security screening processes.”

When it comes to families that may need to bring more items with them, Engel asked for patience.

“We know that you’ve got children, and there’s gonna be lots of things that you’re gonna want to carry, so just be patient as you walk through the screening process,” Engel explained.

“It really is for the safety of everybody on this property, and we appreciate anybody’s patience that might get stuck in a line.”

The metal detectors and increased security seem to be working so far, as there were no bear spray incidents reported on the first day of the exhibition.

Day two of the Queen City Exhibition features a performance by Canadian rock band Our Lady Peace at 9 p.m. in Confederation Park.