Skip to content

Beach checks ramping up at Roberts Creek and Ocean Beach Esplanade

Complaints related to rowdy beach parties near the Roberts Creek pier, in Elphinstone and other rural areas were addressed at a July 16 policing committee.
RCMP Generic

Complaints related to rowdy beach parties near the Roberts Creek pier, in Elphinstone and other rural areas were addressed at a July 16 policing committee.

Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) director Donna McMahon asked whether the RCMP plans to patrol beaches, since residents have been dealing with noise, smoke and other issues related to the revelling.

Sunshine Coast RCMP Sgt. Don Newman said police presence will be ramping up thanks to annual funding from the province for seasonal crime reduction, which typically runs from May to the Labour Day weekend.

“That started a little late this year for a number of obvious reasons,” said Newman, adding even though they do focus on areas within the District of Sechelt their main priority is “high problem areas within the [provincially-funded] boundaries of the Sunshine Coast.” They will be directing members specifically to Roberts Creek and Ocean Beach Esplanade, he said. “We’re increasing our visibility and hopefully some enforcement action.”

General duty officers are also being directed to increase their visibility in both areas.  

The funding allows for about 80 extra two-person shifts each summer as well as marine patrols of Thormanby, Keats and Gambier islands, and Jervis and Sechelt inlets. “It’s quite a large capacity to increase our presence,” he said. Extra shifts are typically added on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.