The OPP had to shut down Wasaga Beach to out- of-towners this weekend, as they struggled to control a large, unsanctioned car rally.
Video posted on social media shows souped up cars doing burnouts along the town’s main street on Saturday night, with crowds of people watching.
Very few are wearing masks and they don’t appear to be worried about staying a safe distance apart.
The town issued a statement before the weekend trying to discourage what it called a “pop-up” car rally, adding speeding and excessive noise wouldn’t be tolerated.
Police say they are still calculating how many charges were laid during the event.
This is the official statement released by the OPP on Sunday night:
The Huronia West Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) used all available resources to maintain public safety and enforce the Reopening Ontario Act (ROA), during an unsanctioned car take-over event in the Town of Wasaga Beach.
Participants of this event, mainly from outside of the primary geographic area, started arriving midday on Friday, Sept. 25, 2020, and remained active in the community into Sunday, Sept. 27, 2020. Police maintained an active presence throughout the duration of the event.
Enforcement focussed primarily on unsafe vehicles, dangerous driving behaviours and ROA compliance. All enforcement activities prioritized public and officer safety. Police are currently updating an accurate accounting of the various charges and impoundments incurred over the weekend.
Police closed all roads into the Town of Wasaga Beach in the early evening on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2020, in part to support ROA compliance and enforcement.
The OPP Huronia West Detachment is committed to traffic safety and the wellbeing of our communities.
Police continue to enforce provincial and federal statutes, as well as supporting compliance with ROA regulations while reminding the public that it is the collective responsibility of all Ontarians to comply with the ROA to limit the spread of COVID-19.
OPP responded to a massive unsanctioned gathering in Wasaga Beach Sept 25-27, 2020.
Some of what we witnessed as seen from #OPPAviation pic.twitter.com/30Z98be3N4— Ontario Provincial Police (@OPP_News) September 27, 2020
REMINDER – Expect a stepped up Ontario Provincial Police presence in the community this weekend. #WasagaBeach @OPP_News @OPP_CR https://t.co/2TVkYmshQv
— Town of Wasaga Beach (@WB_Media) September 25, 2020
Youtube video posted by Humble Boyz