OPP presence enhanced as unsanctioned car rally takes over Wasaga Beach streets
A heavy police presence remains in Wasaga Beach as hundreds converge on the town for an unsanctioned car rally Saturday.
The H20I car rally has brought large crowds, many from out of the area, to the popular beach town. In an effort to control the area, OPP closed down Main Street between River Road West and the Main Street Beach through most of the afternoon. It has since reopened.
OPP have increased the number of officers in the area throughout the weekend. As a result, 14 vehicles were towed off the roadways following various Highway Traffic Act offences on Friday. Also on Friday, 87 offence notices were issued, and six drivers were charged with stunt driving.
“Anyone who wants to come to our community and put our officers safety and the safety of our community at risk you will be held accountable," says OPP Constable Elizabeth Newton. “Anyone who is conducted of stunt driving, and even charged with stunt driving, will lose their license for a period of 30 days their vehicle will be towed for 7 and receive a maximum penalty of $10,000."
On Saturday 33 pepole were charged with various offences, including stunt driving. Seven vehicles were also towed.
Josh English came from Belleville for the rally. He wishes it had turned out differently.
“If we just had a nice car meet, down at the water just to show them that we can be peaceful if we want that would be a little better than this," English says.
Some local businesses were also frustrated.
“It sounds like you’re getting a message beside a drag race," says Stephanie Weaver, a massage therapist at Beachside Massage Therapy and Wellness Centre. "We know it’s going to happen and we can’t stop it."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Deaths of 4 people on Sask. farm confirmed as murder-suicide
The deaths of four people on a farm near the Saskatchewan village of Neudorf have been confirmed a murder-suicide.
Calgary bridges remain closed due to ongoing police incident
Calgary police have shut down a number of bridges into and out of the downtown core as officers deal with a distraught individual.
Sunshine list: These were the Ontario public sector's highest earners in 2023
Ontario released its annual sunshine list Thursday afternoon, noting that the largest year-over-year increases were in hospitals, municipalities, and post-secondary sectors.
Why some Christians are angry about Trump's 'God Bless the USA' Bible
Former U.S. President Donald Trump is officially selling a copy of the Bible themed to Lee Greenwood’s famous song, 'God Bless the USA.' But the concept of a Bible covered in the American flag has raised concern among religious circles.
George Washington family secrets revealed by DNA from unmarked 19th century graves
Genetic analysis has shed light on a long-standing mystery surrounding the fates of U.S. President George Washington's younger brother Samuel and his kin.
'We won't forget': How some Muslims view Poilievre's stance on Israel-Hamas war
A spokesman for a regional Muslim advocacy group says Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre's stance on the Israel-Hamas war could complicate his party's relationship with Muslim Canadians.
Grandparent scam: London, Ont., senior beats fraudsters not once, but twice
It was a typical Tuesday for Mabel Beharrell, 84, until she got the call that would turn her world upside down. Her teenaged grandson was in trouble and needed her help.
Humboldt Broncos bus crash survivor qualifies Canada for Paralympics in rowing event
Former Humboldt Broncos goaltender and bus crash survivor Jacob Wassermann has qualified Canada for a rowing event for the 2024 Paralympic games in Paris.
Kinew, Poilievre meet at Manitoba legislature, discuss each other's priorities
Premier Wab Kinew and federal Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre met at the Manitoba legislature Thursday afternoon.