Wasaga Beach is advising residents and businesses that it expects a large-scale gathering of car enthusiasts this weekend.
The town says this unsanctioned gathering has the potential to result in illegal vehicles on local roads and dangerous driving.
The OPP is fully aware of the gathering and the community will see an increased police presence throughout the weekend.
Officers will focus their efforts on traffic safety and towing and impounding vehicles, when appropriate.
“The OPP has consulted with town officials about this gathering and they have taken the lead to ensure public safety,” Mayor Nina Bifolchi said.
The town and police do not have the authority to prohibit people from visiting and cannot legally turn away individuals at entry points to Wasaga Beach, as some suggested as a strategy when a similar gathering of car enthusiasts occurred in September 2020.
Due to the expected gathering, the town is closing its Spruce Street lot and its Playland lot, both of which are located at Beach Area 1.
The Municipal Picnic Area lot, accessible off Fifth Street, will be open to residents with parking passes.
In addition, Ontario Parks has made its Beach Area 4 lot, at the end of 24th Street, available to residents with parking passes. All other Ontario Park lots will be open for pay and display parking and Ontario Parks pass holders.
See the map of municipal parking lots.
People who observe concerning behaviour during the weekend should contact OPP by calling 9-1-1 or the non-emergency number at 1-888-310-1122.
The Town of Wasaga Beach is advising residents and businesses that it expects a large-scale gathering of car enthusiasts the weekend of Sept. 24-26. Read more here: https://t.co/0lGXwJONtP #WasagaBeach pic.twitter.com/HzytzdaPPn
— Town of Wasaga Beach (@WB_Media) September 20, 2021