OPP says there will be 'zero-tolerance' at Wasaga Beach car rally
Thousands of car enthusiasts are expected to rev into Wasaga Beach this weekend, but some residents want the highly criticized unauthorized rally stopped in its tracks.
"I don't think it's a good idea. I don't think it's safe, and I don't think they should have it," says one resident who didn't wish to provide his name. "I don't think they should be allowed to have it," he adds.
However, the town says it doesn't have the authority to ban visitors, and police can't legally turn anyone away at entry points.
Instead, the town says residents can expect a "stepped-up police presence" because of the unsanctioned large-scale gathering.
Temporary speed bumps have been installed at entrance points to some parking lots to deter car buffs from using the lots for reckless driving.
As an added measure, the town temporarily closed the lot on Spruce Street and its Playland lot at Beach Area 1.
On Friday morning, Cody Alkenbrack arrived in Wasaga Beach for the weekend rally and said it's a fun event that doesn't support illegal or unruly behaviour.
"There are a lot of people that give this a bad rap," he says. "We're not here to cause problems for the locals. We don't want headaches. We don't want problems with people."
Daniel Carvalho says while he's sure there will be a large gathering, "one person doesn't make the whole crowd bad."
Still, police warn there will be a zero-tolerance approach, with a focus on traffic safety throughout the weekend. They say vehicles will be towed to impound yards with no notice if necessary.
Last year, more than 200 tickets were issued, and multiple vehicles were towed over the three days that car enthusiasts and spectators descended on Wasaga Beach.
At one point, things got so out of hand with thousands of cars screeching tires and burning rubber that police temporarily closed the town to non-residents.
NEW STUNT DRIVING PENALTIES
On Sept. 12, the province increased penalties for anyone charged with stunt driving, which applies to more than just speeding.
Aggressive driving, tailgating, racing another vehicle, intentionally cutting off another car or preventing someone from passing will result in a stunt driving charge and immediate 30-day licence suspension.
Additionally, drivers can now be charged in a specified place such as a parking lot, beach, park, bike path, trail, farm field or sports field.
Anyone charged with stunt driving will also have their vehicle promptly towed away to an impound yard for 14 days.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Prince William says wife Kate is 'doing well'
Prince William said on Friday his wife Kate was 'doing well' in a rare public comment about the Princess of Wales as she undergoes preventative chemotherapy for cancer.
BREAKING Canadian Blood Services apologizes to LGBTQ2S+ community for discriminatory blood donation policy
Canadian Blood Services issued an apology on Friday to the LGBTQ2S+ community for what it now admits was a harmful and discriminatory blood donation policy that prevented sexually active men who have sex with men and some trans people from donating blood and plasma.
BREAKING 'Just wait': Toronto mayor hints that WNBA team is coming to the city amid multiple reports
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow says that she is hopeful an announcement could be made soon amid multiple reports that a WNBA team is coming to Toronto in 2026.
Magnitude 4.2 earthquake reported off Vancouver Island's west coast
A 4.2-magnitude earthquake was recorded west of Vancouver Island early Friday morning.
Ontario coroner to investigate death of man who suffered cardiac arrest while waiting in ER
A provincial coroner will be investigating the death of 68-year-old David Lippert, who suffered a cardiac arrest while waiting in a crowded emergency room in Kitchener, Ont.
'Irate male' assaulted Newfoundland officers with block of cheese, police say
Police in Newfoundland say patrol officers were assaulted Thursday by a "very irate male" wielding a block of cheese.
Dashcam video shows terrifying near-miss on two-lane northern Ontario highway
There were some scary moments for several people on a northern Ontario highway caught on video Thursday after a chain reaction following a truck fire.
Average hourly wage in Canada now $34.95: StatCan
Average hourly wages among Canadian employees rose to $34.95 on a year-over-year basis in April, a 4.7 per cent increase, according to a Statistics Canada report released Friday morning.
This iconic Canadian song is turning 50
Andy Kim's 'Rock Me Gently' is marking a major milestone, as it celebrates its 50th anniversary.