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Responsibility urged for Halloween

Police make their expectations and hopes clear in regard to Halloween celebrations in the Castlegar area

The Castlegar RCMP will have an enhanced presence to deal with any Halloween-generated issues. Officers will be dedicated to deal with issues at Kinnaird Park, Millennium Park, the Castlegar Complex  and any other potential problem areas that arise.

We will work in partnership with City Works, Castlegar Fire Dept. and Selkirk Security as well as Citizens on Patrol (COP) who will supply volunteers to enhance patrol capability. Police roadblocks will be visible throughout the city.

The Superintendent of City Works has ordered a closure of Kinnaird Park and Millennium Park from the evenings of October 28-31. Anyone found inside the parks deliberately defying the closure will be removed and charged under the Parks Bylaw. A $50 fine applies.

Parents are encouraged to urge their children to act appropriately and assure them that what may appear to be a fun prank could have negative results. For example, throwing apples at houses or vehicles creates damage to property and injury to innocent people.

Homeowners have the right to enjoy their property free from fear of fire or mischief-related offences. Further, it should be reiterated that should anyone choose to become involved in inappropriate activity, they will be held accountable for their actions.

It is important to become familiarized with the laws relating to fireworks.

Our goal is to provide a safe and memorable Halloween for all members of the community.

 

• Except between Oct. 24 and Nov. 1 in any given year, a person must not sell, give, or set off fireworks.

• You must be 19 or over to possess or set off fireworks, unless under the direct supervision of an adult.

• Use of fireworks is limited to private property.

•“Firecrackers” require a permit which is generally only granted to the Chinese Community for specific cultural events.

• Modifications to any fireworks which can cause serious injury or damage – creates an improvised explosive device – subject to penalties of the Criminal Code of Canada and the Explosives Act.

• Illegal sale, possession, storage, or use of fireworks can result in charges under the Criminal Code of Canada, the Federal Explosives Act or the Provincial Fireworks Act.

Example: simply having in your possession any fireworks while you are under the age of 19 years-old could result in a fine of $2000 and/or imprisonment for six months.

• All fireworks will be seized from individuals found in violation of these Acts.