File # 2010-05-18
2010-05-18 10:58 PDT

Beginning this weekend and throughout the summer, Coquitlam RCMP members will be “hanging out” at Buntzen Lake. Officers in uniform and plain clothes will be patrolling the area by enforcing liquor act regulations and promoting safety in and around the water.

“Buntzen Lake is a unique destination area for hikers and families alike especially during the summer months. We encourage the public to come to Buntzen and enjoy what the area has to offer minus the alcohol” said Cst Christopher Nordlund, one of the Coquitlam officers dedicated to rural patrols. “As the majority of calls for Police service at Buntzen Lake are alcohol related, the emphasis of the parks patrol is of course the enforcement of the Liquor Act. Public safety is our priority”.

The fine amount for offences such as consuming liquor in a public place or minor in possession of liquor has increased to $230. If members of the public are found to be committing offences under the liquor act they can not only expect to be ticketed for the offence but also evicted from the park.

Owned by BC Hydro, Buntzen Lake itself will be patrolled as well. Enforcement is not only limited to the beach area but throughout the lake and on the water. Park staff will escort RCMP members on BC Hydro’s boat in order to access “party boats” and areas of the lake side where people sometimes swim out to and consume alcohol.

“We want to build on the success of our patrols at the lake last year” added Nordlund. “We received several positive comments from the public about our presence there and want to ensure that this year again, everyone who comes to this beautiful area, can do so in a manner that is safe for all”.

Last summer alone, a total of 118 Liquor Offence Tickets were issued by patrolling Officers, with the majority of them being for “open liquor in a public place”. In addition to offences under the Liquor Act, 58 calls for Police services were generated. The calls ranged from driving suspensions and impaired driving investigations, to drug possessions and other Criminal Code Offences.

 

Released by

Cpl. Bert Paquet
Media Relations Officer
Coquitlam RCMP
2986 Guildford Way, Coquitlam
Office: 604.945.1580
Fax: 604.552.7300
Email: bcrcmp@rcmp-grc.gc.ca