Canatara Park Enforcement

As members of the public begin to enjoy the outdoors due to the warmer weather and the lifting of COVID-19 regulations, issues of concern are growing regarding Canatara Park.

Unfortunately, a small percentage of the population engage in activity that affects others and their ability to enjoy the park safely.

Education and targeted enforcement is the direction that the Sarnia Police Service is striving for. The Sarnia Police Service has received numerous complaints by individuals in relation to speeding, loud mufflers, dangerous driving, people drinking, yelling, and fighting. These are some of the major concerns that have arisen.

This past Thursday and Friday, between the hours of 5:00 PM and 3:00 AM, officers were monitoring the area ensuring compliance by dealing with incidents that arose.

For example, mobile ride programs were conducted and fortunately no impaired drivers were located nor any 72 hour suspensions issued.

Attention was also focused at the beach starting at the Cove and heading east along the shoreline. Individuals were warned regarding drinking in public and several tickets were issued to those who were warned the night before and decided to returned the next night to drink in public again.

Officers did not encounter any significant issues regarding driving except for one.

A red Mitsubishi Lancer, which was observed leaving Canatara Park via Christina Street, began spinning its tires while accelerating quickly from a stopped position. The 20-year-old driver was charged with “drive motor vehicle – perform stunt – causing tires to loose traction. This offence requires that the offender attends court, as well, his driver’s licence was suspended for seven days and the vehicle was impounded for seven days.

The Sarnia Police Service will continue to monitor, educate, and enforce incidents that arise to ensure everyone as has safe and enjoyable summer.

Constable Giovanni Sottosanti

Media Officer

Tel: 519-344-8861 Ext 6168

Email: 168@police.sarnia.on.ca