Police are stepping up their enforcement of liquor and public safety-related laws over the BC Day long weekend.
“August long weekend has traditionally had a considerable impact on the small island community of Savary Island with the arrival of seasonal cabin owners and campers,” Sergeant Rod Wiebe of the Powell River detachment wrote in a media release. “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 public intoxication, drinking in public, drunk driving, assaults and a spectrum of other offences ranging from public nuisance to overt threats to public safety, he added.
Young people camping on the island’s South Beach are of particular concern to the RCMP. The popular spot is often associated with excessive drinking, litter, campfire ban breaches and other disruptive behaviour. Police will be paying special attention to the area this year.
Powell River RCMP have consulted various community groups and worked in partnership with Powell River Regional District and Savary Island Volunteer Fire Department over the past year to try to improve the situation. As a result of this exercise police will be implementing a tough enforcement approach similar to last year.
“Offences related to liquor will be strictly enforced in an effort to manage drunken behaviour which is an aggravating causal factor in many of the negative issues related to the August long weekend,” said Wiebe.
In addition, police will be patrolling with members of the fire department to help enforce burning restrictions and educate the public about the ever-present wildfire 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.
