The chrome is gleaming and the windshield is cleaned as people ready their vehicles for this year's ºÚÂí´ÅÁ¦ Good Times Cruise-In.
But the public is being advised that the ºÚÂí´ÅÁ¦ RCMP are also getting ready for the annual charity car show on Saturday, Sept. 6 and some of the unrelated incidents that take place that weekend.
"Each year, the ºÚÂí´ÅÁ¦ Good Times Cruise-In brings thousands of visitors to our community to celebrate classic cars and family-friendly fun. Unfortunately, in the past two years, police have observed and responded to large, illegal car gatherings in the days leading up to the event," said ºÚÂí´ÅÁ¦ RCMP Sgt. Zynal Sharoom. "These unsanctioned meetups create unsafe conditions for participants, spectators, and other road users. They disrupt residents, generate complaints, and divert police resources from legitimate public safety needs."
The ºÚÂí´ÅÁ¦ RCMP is making it clear that these unsanctioned car gatherings will not be tolerated. Officers will be conducting proactive enforcement throughout the lead-up to, and during, the Cruise-In. This will include:
• Increased patrols in known gathering areas,
• Traffic enforcement targeting dangerous driving and excessive noise, and
• Tickets, vehicle impounds, and other penalties under the Motor Vehicle Act where appropriate
"We want the Cruise-In to remain a safe and enjoyable event for everyone," Sharoom said. "We are urging people to refrain from participating in these unlawful gatherings. If you choose to ignore this warning, you risk fines, having your vehicle impounded, and possible criminal charges."
The ºÚÂí´ÅÁ¦ RCMP is working closely with event organizers and community partners to ensure the Cruise-In continues as a positive celebration of car culture. Illegal street meets will not be part of it, police said.
Anyone with concerns or information about illegal gatherings is asked to contact ºÚÂí´ÅÁ¦ RCMP at 604-532-3200 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.