In a relentless crackdown on an illicit automotive rally, provincial authorities in Wasaga Beach laid close to a hundred charges on Saturday. The operation underway since Friday, targeted the unauthorized car rally scheduled throughout the weekend.
A total of ninety-seven charges have been brought to light, the police reported. Alongside suspended drivers and unlicensed motorists, improper muffler operations bore the brunt of infringements. A heavy tally of charges under the Liquor License Act featured in the law enforcement activity, with one arrest made on the grounds of drug-induced impairment. “Our primary objective”, states Const. Lindsay Griffin of the OPP, “is to ensure a safe and secure environment for locals, visitors, and residents alike.”
In an effort to curb the notorious “takeovers” bearing a history of disruption, this year’s H2OI’s weekend social media content actively discouraged such activities. Visitors, like Devin Mackenzie who journeyed to Wasaga Beach specifically for the rally, attested to the importance of the respect for the event. Describing his passion for the spectacle of diverse designs and exhilarating expressions of personality, Mackenzie affirmed that the upkeep of the venue was a shared responsibility. “Excessive displays like burnouts and littering were out of question. Instead, a concerted focus on good behavior prevailed, contributing to the overall success of the event.”
The stringent law enforcement action seems to be bearing fruit, evident in the substantial police presence causing the ripple effect of moving rallies to neighboring areas like Collingwood and Stayner. However, only a scattering of car assemblies can be observed even there. In addition to its reaches within Wasaga Beach, the police presence extends its jurisdiction to other regions including Clearview township and Springwater township, among others under the OPP’s purview.
According to the police, even if violations committed over the weekend don’t meet immediate repercussions, the long arm of the law promises continued investigations. Those violating the law could face belated consequences, driving home the undeterred commitment to maintaining law and order.
