White Rock RCMP are reminding those planning to take in the city’s waterfront festival this weekend to be on their best behaviour.
Const. Shaileshni Molison said extra officers and auxiliary constables, as well as CN Police, will be patrolling in an effort to avoid a repeat of Canada Day antics – which she said led to a closure of the White Rock pier.
“There was a lot of drinking, underage drinking… so many people on the pier,” Molison said Tuesday of the July 1 event.
“In order to control the crowds, we had to close down the pier for a short time. It was extremely overcrowded, so just for safety.”
Molison said an estimated 5,000 people were at the beach for the evening’s fireworks. In addition to “lots” of liquor seizures, police made a few arrests, she said.
Molison said there will be zero tolerance for liquor infractions – or any disruptive acts – this weekend.
She noted it is a federal offence to be on the railroad tracks, and trespassers will be ticketed.
“We just want everyone to be aware that we will be out in force,” she said.
The White Rock Sea Festival takes place Aug. 1-3, and includes live music, a kids zone and a Torchlight Parade.