With the Victoria Day Long Weekend quickly approaching, Chatham-Kent Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officers would like to remind the public that there is an alcohol ban in effect at Rondeau and Wheatley Provincial Parks.
The alcohol ban began on May 8, 2015, and will continue through to May 18, 2015, inclusive.
Chatham-Kent OPP and Ontario Parks officials are enforcing a “zero tolerance” policy for those who are caught with alcohol. Anyone found with alcohol within the parks may face charges under the Liquor Licence Act, Trespass To Property Act or Provincial Parks Act, and a park eviction without being able to re-enter any provincial park for 72 hours.
“The Ontario Provincial Police will be using all available resources and personnel over the Victoria Day weekend to crack down on aggressive and distracted drivers, those who drink and drive and those who fail to buckle up, on both our highways and in our provincial parks,” says Chatham-Kent OPP Detachment Commander, Staff Sergeant Brad Coulbeck.
The registered owner of a campsite in a provincial park is liable for any violations that occur on that site, regardless of whether they are occupying it or not. Park wardens have the same authority as a police officer to lay charges while working within the park.
To obtain more information on Ontario parks, please visit the Ontario Parks website at www.ontarioparks.com.
