Ness Creek Music Festival opens the gates on Thursday and Big River RCMP is prepared for the influx of people to the small rural community.
“We have additional resources and an operations plan in place to address any public safety concerns that arise,” says Sgt. Marcus Paddock, the detachment commander of Big River RCMP.
Police remind festival goers about cannabis use and are essentially enforcing cannabis laws the same as alcohol laws. People over the age of 19 can lawfully consume cannabis in a private campsite. However, cannabis cannot lawfully be consumed in any public areas. If someone is found consuming cannabis in public an offence notice under the Cannabis Control Act can be issued.
RCMP patrolling the event will enforce a “zero tolerance” policy towards public drunkenness, open liquor, underage drinking, illicit drug use, causing a disturbance, and any other offence. This enforcement is crucial to the safety and security of everyone attending Ness Creek Festival this weekend.
