With Canada Day landing on a Tuesday this year, many people might take an extra day off on the Monday, following the weekend, which is why Kelowna Central Okanagan RCMP will be increasing their patrols throughout the four-day span.
Throughout the weekend, both the RCMP and the City of Kelowna expect "an influx of visitors" coming to town. To prepare, more officers will be assisting in various cities across the province, including Kelowna.
“We will have a very visible presence in key places around the city,” said Kelowna RCMP media relations officer Sgt. Laura Pollock. “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."
She also added specialized units from BC Highway Patrol will be looking after the highways in and around Central Okanagan.
One of the reasons for the increased patrols is the possible extended long weekend, with many people most likely taking Monday off work.
"With the expected influx of visitors to celebrate Canada Day and to ensure everyone arrives at their destinations safely, enhanced traffic enforcement and RCMP visibility on local roadways should be expected,” said Sgt. Kyle Ushock of the Kelowna RCMP's 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 Canada Day fireworks display is still scheduled and expected to attract a large crowd at Kelowna's downtown waterfront. The public, both drivers and pedestrians are asked to follow all traffic control devices and celebrate responsibly.
If anyone witnesses a crime, they are asked to call the Kelowna RCMP at 250-762-3300 or to remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
