Statement from Mayor Nina Bifolchi regarding unauthorized car rally

Today, Mayor Nina Bifolchi issued the following statement regarding the unauthorized car rally in Wasaga Beach this past weekend:

“Over the past weekend, the safety of our community was repeatedly put at risk and this is not acceptable.

“A group of individuals participating in an unsanctioned car rally visited our community and broke the law. This included careless and dangerous driving, the operation of unsafe vehicles, damaging public and private property, breaking into businesses, disturbing the peace, and risking people’s lives.

“As in the past, prior to the rally taking place, the town met with the Ontario Provincial Police. The OPP indicated that community safety was their priority and they put in place an operations plan to ensure the community was protected. They said police would meet illegal activity with zero tolerance, which was the message the OPP delivered to the public leading into the weekend.

“The town is very appreciative of the men and women who wear the OPP uniform and patrol our streets, but clearly police resources this past weekend did not allow for the robust response required to maintain law and order. There were many examples brought to the attention of the town where laws were being broken and police intervention was not witnessed. This is unacceptable to the residents of Wasaga Beach.

“It is unfortunate that two police cruisers were damaged. I’m glad the occupants were unharmed.

“The town has no authority over the OPP, but we call on those in authority within the OPP to review what transpired and take steps to ensure that there is never a repeat of what we witnessed.

“On behalf of our town council and all residents, as well as our many law-abiding visitors, I call on Solicitor-General Michael Kerzner to ensure that the OPP are properly equipped and prepared to ensure that Wasaga Beach is not put at risk again.

“People have asked why we simply don’t close our municipal borders to rowdy car rally participants, why we don’t just turn these vehicles around. We have been advised that this is not a legal option. We have reached out to those associated with the car rally, at different times in the past, and asked that they follow our special events process to ensure a safe and fun gathering. However, not once have we ever received a response. Again, I call on the car rally community to consider working with us. An organized and safe gathering is possible here.    

“Lastly, our community has a long history of welcoming visitors. Hosting people is part of our fabric. But we do insist that everyone in Wasaga Beach follow the law. And we ask that people conduct themselves in a respectful manner. Anything less than this – please stay home.”