Long weekend
Police and residents of Savary Island are preparing for the upcoming August long weekend, August 4, 5 and 6, with a coordinated, enforcement-based approach focusing on liquor-related offences and public safety.
The weekend has traditionally had a considerable impact on the small island community with the arrival of seasonal cabin owners and campers. Although the vast majority of visitors to the island are respectful and well behaved there are those who cause problems for both police and property owners. “In the past there have been issues surrounding drunk driving, assaults, public intoxication, drinking in public and a spectrum of other offences ranging from public nuisances to overt threats to public safety,” said Constable Chris Bakker, Powell River RCMP. “Of particular concern is the conduct of many young persons camping on South Beach that leave behind refuse and human waste, have camp fires contrary to burning restrictions and engage in other disruptive behaviour usually linked to excessive alcohol consumption.”
Over the past year Powell River RCMP has consulted various community groups and worked in partnership with Powell River Regional District and Savary Island Volunteer Fire Department (SIVFD). As a result police will implement a far tougher enforcement approach similar to last year. “Offences related to liquor will be strictly enforced in an effort to manage drunken behaviour,” said Bakker, “which is an aggravating causal factor in many of the negative issues related to the August long weekend.” In addition, police will be patrolling with members of SIVFD to help enforce any burning restrictions that may be in place and educate the public about the ever-present wild fire threat to the island.
Consuming liquor in a public place carries a fine of $230 and liquor being unlawfully kept or consumed is subject to seizure by police.
Swim, bike and run
Savary Island triathlon takes place Sunday, July 29, a fun event in its 13th year that has competitors jumping off the wharf, climbing onto bicycles and running on sand-covered potholed lanes.
More than 125 participants will arrive for the event, which is held in support of Savary Island Volunteer Fire Department. Bikes are parked at the barge ramp and competitors piped to the wharf by Clansman Pipe Band at 8:40 am. At 9 am all participants launch into the water for the 700-metre swim back to the ramp.
Out of the water, participants put on their bicycle helmets, climb onto their bikes and cycle a 12-kilometre route that takes them almost to the tip of Indian Point before heading back down to the fire hall. Then, to end the race is a five-kilometre run, back up toward Indian Point and down to the fire hall for the finish line.
In previous years winners have finished the race in just over an hour but stragglers could be out there for quite a while.
It is still possible to register as individuals or teams on race day at 7:15 am at the barge ramp. More information is provided online.
Spectators will catch the most action at the starting area, transition points and finish line, and can enjoy lunch with participants at the fire hall.
Recreation rates
At a special council meeting held on Thursday, July 26, City of Powell River council unanimously adopted a bylaw that will see a minor increase to fees for the use of city facilities and public services offered by the parks, recreation and culture department, effective Wednesday, August 1.
Fees affected include everything from the rental rates for Dwight Hall and other civic buildings and pavilions to the general admission rates for swimming, skating, fitness gym, drop-in hockey and drop-in aerobics. Facilities and services operated by the city are provided at subsidized rates and charges are re-evaluated yearly to reflect operational costs.
Bylaw 2322, which includes a list of current parks, recreation and culture fees can be found by clicking the Bylaws tab on the city’s website.
