Patrols in the West Country are increasing for the May long weekend, which falls on May 17, 18 and 19 this year.
“With the increased number of officers on patrol there will also be other enforcement partners including officers from Mountain View County, Clearwater County, the Town of Sundre and Alberta Fish and Wildlife,” said Sundre RCMP Cpl. Ryan Hodge.
“The officers will be working together to ensure a safe weekend and also to provide an increased law enforcement presence.”
May long weekend is generally known as the kickoff to summer, with an increase in the number of people venturing into the West Country.
“There will be specific focus on impaired driving offences, not only of motor vehicles but also of off-highway motor vehicles,” said Hodge.
“Anyone driving an off-highway motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol will face the same penalties as a driver in any other vehicle.”
Officers will also be enforcing the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Act, specifically underage possession and consumption of liquor, illegal transportation of liquor and related offences.
Officers will also be patrolling the area through the use of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), and will be enforcing the Off Highway Vehicle Act – specifically proper licensing and insuring of off-highway vehicles.
“Police would like to remind the users of the West Country to be respectful of others and of the environment,” said Hodge.
“When passing other ATV operators or people on horseback, slow down and pull over to allow safe passing.”
Recreationalists are also reminded to be aware of where ATVs are permitted.
“It is the experience of the police and other emergency services that many people are ill prepared for travelling into the West and take unnecessary risks, putting themselves and others in harm's way,” he said.
Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development (ESRD) officials are spreading positive messages through Sasquatch branded soaker bags over the May long weekend.
The messages are about respecting the land, reporting poachers and preventing wildfires. The bags will be provided to people en route to the West Country, through checkstops.
The goal is to prevent social issues, garbage, damage to the environment and wildfires, according to Barry Shellian, information officer and wildfire ranger with ESRD.
Officials will be partnering with RCMP officers, Clearwater County highway patrol, Brazeau County enforcement, Clearwater Regional Fire Rescue Services, Town of Rocky Mountain House Protection Services and Alberta Health Services, providing a task force to ensure a safe weekend.
They will be patrolling the area through the use of jet boats, off-highway vehicles, helicopters and road patrols along with checkstops.
“This May long weekend the task force will be providing 2,000 collapsible Sasquatch water pails to the task force to be proactively delivered at check stops,” said Shellian.
“These pails have Respect the Land, Report a Poacher, and 310 FIRE messaging, as well as the Sasquatch, to promote responsible land use.”
Officers are advising people to be knowledgeable of their location, so they are able to provide directions to emergency services if needed.
“The use of GPS devices or cellphones with built-in GPS tracking can assist emergency services in getting to your location. Also be aware of road signs and landmarks to describe your location,” he said.
“Be sure to let family and friends know where you are planning to go.”
It is also important to pack proper first aid supplies, clothing and other emergency items, he noted.
“The weather can change drastically in very little time and you should be prepared for a wide variety of weather,” he said.
People are advised not to travel off on their own, whether they are operating an ATV, hiking, or driving in the backcountry.
“Do not take unnecessary risks in the backcountry. Be aware that emergency services may be several hours away from being able to assist you should an emergency arise,” he said.
“If you find yourself lost or separated from your group, stay where you are and wait for someone to find you.”
He reminds residents not to consume alcohol or drugs and then operate any motor vehicle, including ATVs or dirt bikes.
Members of the public are encouraged to report any suspicious or illegal activity over the weekend to RCMP officers.
Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development (ESRD) officials are spreading positive messages through Sasquatch branded soaker bags over the May long weekend.
The messages are about respecting the land, reporting poachers and preventing wildfires. The bags will be provided to people en route to the West Country, through checkstops.
The goal is to prevent social issues, garbage, damage to the environment and wildfires, according to Barry Shellian, information officer and wildfire ranger with ESRD.
Officials will be partnering with RCMP officers, Clearwater County highway patrol, Brazeau County enforcement, Clearwater Regional Fire Rescue Services, Town of Rocky Mountain House Protection Services and Alberta Health Services, providing a task force to ensure a safe weekend.
They will be patrolling the area through the use of jet boats, off-highway vehicles, helicopters and road patrols along with checkstops.
“This May long weekend the task force will be providing 2,000 collapsible Sasquatch water pails to the task force to be proactively delivered at check stops,” said Shellian.
“These pails have Respect the Land, Report a Poacher, and 310 FIRE messaging, as well as the Sasquatch, to promote responsible land use.”
