Vancouver – As the long weekend and good weather approaches, Vancouver Police are expecting more people from throughout Metro Vancouver to visit Vancouver’s parks and beaches. While outdoor activities are encouraged by health officials during the pandemic, police are reminding the public of safety rules and initiatives that will ensure a fun and safe long weekend for everyone.

  • The Liquor Control and Licensing Act, Emergencies Program Act, and city bylaws are in effect and apply to beaches and parks. They will be enforced by police and municipal agencies.
  • VPD’s beach patrol activities will increase this weekend and the public can expect to see officers from the VPD’s Mounted Unit in Stanley Park, officers from the Bikes Unit throughout the city, and officers from the Marine Unit on the water. Officers will be patrol the beaches and water to respond to public safety incidents.
  • It is illegal to consume liquor or have open liquor in parks and on beaches. A fine of $230 can be issued for consuming liquor in a public place.
  • Smoking is prohibited in Vancouver’s parks and on beaches. A fine of $250 can be issued.
  • Each Friday and Saturday night, additional officers will be deployed to patrol the Granville Entertainment District and the Yaletown and Gastown neighbourhoods. These officers will prioritize and respond to issues that arise from crowds visiting these neighbourhoods.
  • Officers will also respond to large, indoor gatherings prohibited by provincial health orders. Hosting a gathering that includes people outside your household can resulted in a fine of $2,300. A fine of $575 can be issued for attending a gathering.

Public safety is the VPD’s number one priority. Police will continue responding to 9-1-1 emergencies, violent crime, and other Criminal Code offences, and enforcing Public Health Orders.