An average number of West Country recreational enthusiasts seemed to have celebrated the August long weekend safely, with emergency services reporting no serious incidents.
“From the RCMP Sundre detachment perspective, the August Long weekend came and went without incident,” said Cpl. Joe Mandel.
“The good weather was appreciated by all users of the Eastern Slopes. I can say that the volume of users that came through was moderate,” he wrote by email, adding several thousand people came out.
From noon on Friday, Aug. 2 to midnight on Tuesday, Aug. 6, the Sundre RCMP received 23 calls for service, he said.
“Nothing dramatic,” he added.
“The calls ranged from a couple of 911 hang ups, cows on the highway, a Llama roaming around near McDougal Church on Highway 584, and driving complaints.”
Additionally, as per the regular plans for a long weekend, police screened motorists for signs of impairment. Officers completed four, approximately one- to two-hour checkstops within the Sundre detachment’s jurisdiction, but were concentrated on Main Avenue, or Highway 27, near the junction of Highway 760, or the Bergen Road, he said.
“Our office had four impaired investigations.”
Helping to provide enhanced patrols and enforcement was additional police presence from other departments in the surrounding area.
“Outside resources were brought in from neighbouring detachments to assist the Sundre members.”
Meanwhile, volunteer responders with the Sundre Fire Department enjoyed a mostly quiet weekend, the deputy chief said.
Kevin Gamble said the department was not dispatched to any structure fires — major or otherwise — nor were there any reported motor vehicle collisions.
“Just a couple of medicals and false alarms, but that was it,” he said, adding he was glad to see people apparently played responsibly and that the volunteer firefighters by extension got to enjoy the chance to spend time with their friends and family.
