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Another busy long weekend expected: RCMP
Cranbrook RCMP is hoping this May long weekend is uneventful.
Each year the influx of campers coming to the Lake Koocanusa area brings with it impaired driving, assaults, and damage to Crown land. The amount of garbage left in the area after campers leave on Monday is frustrating for those who live, work and camp in the area.
“Each May long weekend the Koocanusa area is filled to capacity with campers looking to camp for free on Crown land. The Cranbrook RCMP want people to have a great weekend, but want them to behave responsibly,” said Cst. Katie Forgeron of Cranbrook RCMP.
Police report they will be on the lookout for impaired drivers, distracted drivers and Motor Vehicle Act infractions. Littering and cutting down trees are also scenarios that the RCMP, along with its partners, will be looking into.
Possible infractions could include Criminal Code Impaired Driving, Immediate Roadside Prohibitions and Vehicle Impoundments for drivers being under the influence of alcohol.
RCMP will also be on the lookout to ensure that vehicles are roadworthy and will be conducting safety checks under the Motor Vehicle Act Regulations (MVAR).
Vehicles that are found to not adhere to the MVAR may be removed from the roadway at the owner’s expense.
Open liquor in vehicles and being drunk in public could also lead to fines under the Liquor Control and Licensing Act, RCMP point out.
Lead image: Area volunteers clean up a sprawling and disgusting mess left behind at a Lake Koocanusa Crown land campsite a few years back, following a long weekend. Several truck loads of trash, discarded camping supplies and raked up debris, including human feces, were removed. e-KNOW file photo
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