Posted:
With the upcoming long weekend, Halifax Regional Police is providing some tips to help citizens safely enjoy the events in our city.
There are a number of events this weekend throughout the region including:
- Halifax Busker Festival
- African Nova Scotian Music Association 'Freedom Festival' Concert
- The Macdonald Bridge Walk
- Dartmouth Natal Day Road Race
- The Pepsi Natal Day Parade
- The 2022 ICF Canoe Sprint and Paracanoe World Championships
To learn more about the line up of events and festivities this Natal Day weekend, visit: https://www.halifax.ca/parks-recreation/events/natal-day
Some of the events involve street closures. HRP will have officers performing traffic control at a number of locations to help keep everyone safe. Please plan ahead and expect delays.
Here are some tips to help everyone safely enjoy our community events:
- Plan ahead. Check the event’s website to ensure you’re familiar with the venue, its location and the amenities it has to offer.
- Drink lots of water and wear sunscreen and a hat if the event is outside.
- If possible, take public transportation. These events draw large crowds, causing heavy traffic and making parking difficult.
- If you drink, don’t drive. Plan ahead to have a designated driver or take public transportation.
- For parades, ensure you stay back from the parade vehicles. Stay on one side of the street and don’t run across between floats.
- Many boaters enjoy summer events from the harbour. Please boat responsibly and appoint a designated ‘skipper.’ Remember that penalties for impaired boating are the same as impaired driving on the road.
- If you witness suspicious and/or criminal activity, including impaired driving or impaired boating, call 911 immediately.
- In addition to organized events some citizens may celebrate in other ways. If it involves fireworks, please make yourself aware of the risks and responsibilities and be mindful of your neighbors, the environment and our four-legged friends. Please make every effort to enjoy safely
- If you are planning a trip this weekend, remember to secure your home before you leave. Ensure windows and doors are locked and consider leaving a light on.
It’s easy for little ones to become lost in the midst of a large crowd. Here are a few tips to consider to help keep children safe:
- When you arrive at an event, agree on a meeting place in case you get separated.
- Accompany young children to public washrooms and concession stands.
- Consider carrying an up-to-date picture and make note of what the child is wearing.
Here’s to a safe and fun-filled long weekend!