Port Moody police expect busy long weekend at Sasamat Lake

As locals flock to beaches and parks to enjoy some sunshine this long weekend, Port Moody police are preparing for another busy few days.

Police say officers have been kept busy up at Sasamat Lake amid the summer-like conditions through the region.

“As a result, we have responded to numerous different types of calls up at the lake, including a weapon call, with someone with a pellet-style gun up at the beach. On Saturday, we had aggressive motorists, reports of even fights over parking stalls, we’ve had intoxicated persons … there was a bonfire that was left smouldering overnight at one point,” explained Const. Sam Zacharias.

“There was a very bizarre incident reported to us after the fact of an agitated female who attempted to take a gosling home and she was confronted by a group of good Samaritans. And then she, allegedly, threw this gosling and harmed the bird and then fled the scene.”

Illegal parking on Bedwell Bay Road 

While there was no shortage of calls to keep officers occupied, Zacharias says one of the biggest issues seems to be related to illegal parking on Bedwell Bay Road.

Parking on Bedwell Bay Road is prohibited at all times of the year.

“If people choose to park on this road, I can tell you that they will be ticketed and they will be towed. But it’s really important for them to know that when they’re parking on this road, they’re actually creating congestion all through Port Moody … and it limits our ability, as first responders, to respond to some of these serious calls,” Zacharias said. “That’s one of the biggest concerns here, the public safety concern up at the lake.”

He says there’s signage that indicates the parking prohibition, adding the signs “couldn’t be clearer.” Despite this, he admits many ignore the rules, with some people reportedly driving over placards.

Related articles: 

• B.C. long weekend travel primer: gas prices, weather, and wildfires

• B.C. desperate for June rain amid early wildfire season

Others are seen parking in ditches, Zacharias adds.

With Sasamat Lake expected to be busy through the May long weekend, police are recommending people get there early to beat the crowds and find legal parking spots.

Alternatively, Zacharias recommends people park at transit hubs and take transit up to the lake.

“That would be the safest option.”

Long weekend to be mostly dry

CityNews Meteorologist Carl Lam says the long weekend is expected to be mainly dry locally.

“As we head into the day on Saturday, there’s a mix of sun and cloud, temperatures are between the low-to-mid 20s,” he explained.

“We are tracking a little bit of rain that could work its way through on Sunday afternoon and evening through downtown, over towards Burnaby, out towards Chilliwack, but it’s not going to be all that substantial. But then Monday, we do bring back the chance for some rain as you head towards the valleys.”

Listen live to CityNews 1130 for traffic and weather together on the ones. You can also follow us on Twitter @CityNewsTraffic or subscribe to breaking news alerts sent directly to your inbox