Wasaga Beach, Aug. 31, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Town of Wasaga Beach is gearing up to launch its annual Memories of Summer music festival this Sunday August 3rd. The Town is advising the public that it is also taking the next steps to try to prevent a potential, large illegal car rally from occurring in Wasaga Beach on this last long weekend of summer.
Ensuring a safe, fun long weekend for everyone
The Town is asking residents and visitors for their cooperation. This weekend, plan for increased traffic and extra time to get safely around the community, to the beachfront and to the Memories of Summer music festival, which will welcome the Carpet Frogs and rock legends April Wine to our Beach Area 1 on September 3.
Road Closures, Traffic Diversions and Traffic Calming Measures
The following traffic diversion measures will be in effect for the duration of the weekend:
- Road closures have been implemented at:
- Shore Lane and Cedar Grove Parkway
- Bay Sands Drive and Lyons Court
- Ramblewood Drive and Lyons Court
- Middleton Drive and Morgan Road
- Ryther Road and Marvin Gardens Boulevard
- Vehicle checkpoints will take place at the following locations:
- River Road East and John Street
- River Road West and Village Gate Drive
- Klondike Park Road and Veterans Way
- Sunnidale Road and Maple Drive
- 45th Street South and Wasaga Sands Drive
- Mosley Street and 70th Street North
For complete maps and details about what to expect, please visit: wasagabeach.com/travel-updates
Beach Drive open to pedestrian traffic only
Given the expected increase in visitors and traffic this weekend, and to ensure our full-time residents and guests have the best experience possible – the Town is opening Beach Drive to pedestrian traffic only. That means more people will be able to enjoy the beach, live entertainment, shops, patios, restaurants, food trucks and magnificent sunsets this weekend.
Town continues to implement highly coordinated approach to prevent illegal nuisance event
Yesterday in an effort to prevent a large illegal car rally from descending on the community, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice granted the Town’s request for an injunction which prohibits anyone from attending or participating in illegal car rallies or any car rally this weekend.
Today, the Town also activated its Emergency Operations Centre. This is the next step in the Town’s proactive, tiered approach in preventing illegal nuisance events.
Stay up-to-date
The Town will continue to monitor the situation and keep the public informed through its corporate Twitter and Facebook channels. You can also stay up-to-date on the latest news and information on evolving traffic diversion plans by visiting wasagabeach.com/travel-updates
Quick facts
- Illegal car rallies are not unique to Wasaga Beach. Other communities across Ontario, Canada and the US have experienced similar challenges with unauthorized car rallies that can cause disruption, accidents with injuries or damage to property, and significant inconveniences to residents and businesses.
- Recently, the Town also passed a new bylaw to unlock additional powers under Section 128 of the Municipal Act, which permits the municipality to do things – such as close roads during declared nuisance events – that typically, municipalities cannot do.
- The maximum penalty for violating the Town of Wasaga Beach Car Rally Bylaw is $25,000
Additional resources
Read more about the Town’s proactive, tiered Emergency Response plan to quickly and safely deal with the threat of illegal car rallies.
Learn how to organize a sanctioned event in Wasaga Beach.
