Extra patrols scheduled this Halloween

The City of Mission and Mission RCMP are teaming up with extra patrols this weekend to help ensure Halloween is enjoyed safely. 

Fireworks and firecrackers pose significant safety risks, including fires and injuries. The use, sale, and possession of fireworks and firecrackers are strictly prohibited within Mission. Public safety and the well-being of all community members and pets are top priorities for the City. 

Last Halloween, while children and adults alike were having good Halloween fun, hundreds of youth created significant issues in the area of Griner Park and Albert McMahon Elementary School. Mission RCMP responded to 56 calls for service during the night, and had to deal with youth assaults, fireworks being shot at cars, the swarming of a police car, and an officer being struck in the face with a baton. From October 1 to April 30, all parks in Mission are closed between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m.

This year, Mission RCMP has worked closely with the City of Mission’s Bylaw Services Division, and Mission Fire Rescue Service to help plan a coordinated effort for Halloween weekend.   

Residents can expect to see increased resources from Mission RCMP and the City all around Mission. Particular attention will be paid to parks and school fields, to help prevent large groups from congregating.   

New Fireworks Bylaw with Higher Penalties 

Earlier this month, Council adopted a new fireworks bylaw to clear up the vague wording that existed in the old bylaw. The result is a new bylaw that ensures enforcement and ticketing are a greater tool for Mission’s Bylaw Services team. Fine limits also went up as well.

Individuals found in possession or using fireworks in contravention of the Fireworks Bylaw may be subject to a fine of up to $10,000. Parents are encouraged to ensure their children are aware that fireworks are illegal, to help them make good decisions when they are out with friends.  Police will also be on the lookout for other offences as well, including being intoxicated in public, impaired driving, and any acts of vandalism.   

How best to report an issue this Halloween

• Due to the large volume of calls to police on Halloween night, the public is reminded to only call 911 if it is an actual emergency. This means incidents that are in progress, such as property actively being damaged, someone getting hurt, or an impaired driver leaving a party.   

• Anything related to nuisance-type matters, such as fireworks being set off, a loud party, or a group of youth causing a disturbance, should be reported to Mission RCMP’s non-emergency line: 604-826-7161.   

• Keep in mind that all calls are prioritized based on the nature of the call, and simply calling 911 instead of the non-emergency line does not automatically speed up the response time for a call.

Stay safe and have fun this Halloween, Mission.  We’ll see you out there!

Quotes:

Mayor Paul Horn

“Every year, our community is strained by the unregulated use of fireworks, which harm people and animals and create risks of injury and fire. This has become an escalating problem, leading to troubling interactions with law enforcement. That’s why we’ve strengthened our bylaws and increased penalties. We’re asking everyone to do their part by following the bylaw, and we’re asking parents to ensure that young people in their homes understand and respect these expectations.”