No major incidents reported over Canada Day weekend

By Melanie Irwin July 4, 2022 12:20pm

The first in-person Canada Day celebrations held in Sarnia since the pandemic began appeared to go rather smoothly for city police and firefighters.

Cst. Nelson Amaral said no criminal charges were laid in relation to the festivities at Canatara Park or Centennial Park, but several tickets were issued for various offences under the Liquor Licence Act and for trespassing.

“Underage drinking, disturb the peace, medical assist calls et cetera,” said Amaral. “Overall, the day and night was as busy as we expected it to be. Probably the biggest complaint was from drivers trying to leave Harbour Road, which is something that will be addressed and hopefully alleviated for next year and years to come.”

Amaral said some individuals refused to leave establishments or were engaging in activity they weren’t supposed to.

In total, city police responded to 277 calls for service over the long weekend.

Officers conducted 35 routine traffic stops and issued 53 tickets over the weekend for various offences.

There were 26 welfare checks on individuals, 16 unwanted person calls, 14 medical assists and 12 alarm calls.

Sarnia Fire and Rescue Services said no charges were laid in relation to the city’s newly approved fireworks and pyrotechnic bylaw.

It was approved by Sarnia council last week.

“There were a couple of calls where the trucks were called out,” said Chief Prevention Officer Roel Bus. “I’d say there wasn’t a ton and we never really got too many before either.”

Bus said they’re still in an education phase.

“Setting off fireworks in public places, like in a park or on a beach, was always illegal. You couldn’t do that without a permit even before. So, the biggest change with the new bylaw is really the days. So, to set off recreational fireworks on private property before was allowed all year round, whereas now, you can’t really do it outside of the days unless you have a permit.”

He said fireworks on private property are allowed on the holiday and the day before and after. But, he said the document still needs approval from the Ministry of the Attorney General.

Lambton OPP laid 87 charges over the Canada Day long weekend and 17 people spent time in cells.

Police said five people were arrested for driving while impaired.

OPP are warning drivers to expect to see more officers in the Grand Bend area on weekends throughout the summer.

-With files from Colin Gowdy