The Ontario Provincial Police are advising those planning to attend a car rally in Wasaga Beach, Ont., this weekend to avoid “risky, illegal and dangerous actions” after a similar event got out of hand in the Georgian Bay resort town last month.
“Members of the public are asked to anticipate an increased police presence, possible traffic delays and road closures,” Acting Sgt. R. Simpson of OPP Central Region stated in a Twitter video on Thursday.
“Visitors are reminded to respect our communities and not jeopardize the safety of our citizens or our neighbourhoods with risky, illegal and dangerous actions.”
During a car rally from August 26 to 28 in the town north of Toronto, two OPP vehicles had their windows broken. According to police reports and videos shared on social media, there was street racing, stunt driving, and vandalism.
The town’s mayor, Nina Bifolchi, questioned why police weren’t better prepared for the surge of visitors that weekend.
Simpson mentioned that the OPP will collaborate with Wasaga Beach bylaw enforcement officers and the Wasaga Beach Fire Department as well as officials from Ontario Parks and County of Simcoe Paramedic Services to ensure everyone’s safety.
In a statement posted on the town’s website on Thursday, Bifolchi expressed that while they welcome visitors, they expect them to follow the law.
“Participants in past unauthorized car rally events here have shown a complete disregard for public safety, various laws, and the police who enforce them. We call on participants this time around to leave their bad behaviour at home,” she said.
“Police will take a strict approach to speeding, excessive noise, illegal vehicle modifications, and dangerous driving. Where applicable, OPP will tow and impound vehicles.”
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This is another still image taken from a You Tube video entitled ‘h20i 2022 / INSANE CAR RALLY | VLOG 075.’ A person is standing on an OPP cruiser. (You Tube)
The town also advises residents to steer clear of areas where there’s heavy police activity this weekend.
Rachael Ivak, municipal law enforcement coordinator for Wasaga Beach noted in the town’s statement that bylaw officers will be working throughout the weekend addressing municipal bylaw complaints.
“In regards to noise and firework violations that are observed throughout town, we will be working closely with the Ontario Provincial Police to ensure strict enforcement is taken,” she said.
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20 people charged, OPP say
The OPP announced on Thursday that it has charged 20 individuals with dangerous driving and stunt driving offences following the late August rally. The accused face 37 Criminal Code and Highway Traffic Act offences according to the OPP. The individuals range in age from 17 to 37 years old and reside across Ontario. Of the 37 charges laid against them, 17 counts involve dangerous operation of a motor vehicle under the Criminal Code while 20 counts pertain to stunt driving under the Highway Traffic Act.Source link
