The Kelowna Central Okanagan RCMP and the City of Kelowna are preparing for a busy Canada Day weekend with an influx of visitors coming to town to celebrate with family and friends.
In preparation of the boost in visitors the public will see an increased front-line police presence with additional RCMP officers assisting from various detachments across the province. “We will have a very visible presence in key places around the city,” says Sgt Laura Pollock, Kelowna RCMP Media Relations Officer. “Our teams will be patrolling in several different ways including on foot and bikes in City Park, on downtown streets and numerous parks in the Rutland neighbourhood. Our ATV teams will be riding the rail trail while our boats will be on the lake keeping boaters safe. Specialized units from BC Highway Patrol will be looking after our highways in and around our community.”
The Kelowna Municipal Traffic Unit has also bolstered their teams anticipating a much busier weekend stretching into Tuesday for Canada Day, “With the expected influx of visitors to celebrate Canada Day and to ensure everyone arrives to their destinations safely, enhanced traffic enforcement and RCMP visibility on local roadways should be expected,” says Sgt Kyle Ushock, Kelowna RCMP Municipal Traffic Unit. “We ask motorists to plan ahead, slow down and make smart choices, if you have been drinking alcohol or using any impairing substance, don’t get behind the wheel, you are not only putting yourself at risk, but everyone else on the road as well.”
The fireworks display scheduled for Canada Day is also expected to attract a large crowd to the waterfront. Motorists and the general public are reminded to follow all traffic control devices and celebrate responsibly.
If you see something, say something! To report a crime, contact to the Kelowna Central Okanagan RCMP detachment at 250-762-3300. To remain anonymous contact the Central Okanagan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
