News release
Police urge safe and respectful behaviour ahead of grad sleep-outs
August 27, 2026
-
North Vancouver, British Columbia
From: North Vancouver RCMP
On this page
Content
As Labour Day weekend approaches, North Vancouver & West Vancouver students are gearing up for what promises to be an exciting new school year. For many Grade 11 and 12 students, this means participating in traditional grad sleep-out events across the North Shore. In light of these celebrations, the North Vancouver RCMP and the West Vancouver Police Department are providing students and parents with essential guidance on celebrating responsibly.
Corporal Mansoor Sahak of the North Vancouver RCMP emphasizes, “While many students attending grad sleep-outs intend to have harmless fun, we’ve seen in previous years how these gatherings can quickly spiral into dangerous or unlawful situations. Underage drinking, drug use, vandalism, littering, and other behaviour that violates Provincial and Federal laws or municipal bylaws have all been issues in the past. With increased freedom comes increased accountability. We expect all participants to show respect for the community, the environment, and each other, and we will take enforcement action where necessary.”
While students should expect to be held responsible for their actions during these events, Sgt. Carla Rhodes of the West Vancouver Police Department notes that parental influence remains crucial. “Parents play a vital role in steering their adolescents towards smart choices. We strongly encourage families to have candid discussions with their teens about the decisions they are likely to face, emphasizing both the positive paths forward and the potential outcomes of poor judgement”.
To ensure a safe weekend, the North Vancouver RCMP and the West Vancouver Police Department will be actively enforcing liquor, traffic, and local bylaws, with additional officers on duty to manage the anticipated increase in activity.
Tips for Parents: Opening up the discussion
Encouraging open communication with your youth about their upcoming plans is key. Here are some strategies to facilitate these conversations:
- Let your teen know you are approachable and interested in their point of view. This can be done casually or during a more formal discussion, such as a family meeting.
- Aim for a dialogue rather than a lecture. Keep the conversation relaxed and invite your teen to share their opinions and questions.
- Understand your teen’s perspective and be open to their viewpoints, even if they differ from your own. Remember, effective communication involves active listening.
- When discussing topics like substance use, be direct and factual, without overwhelming your teen with too much information. By having thoughtful conversations and setting clear expectations and boundaries, parents can help ensure a safe and enjoyable Labour Day weekend for their teens.