Enforcement ramping up for May long weekend

Minister of Justice and Public Security Jonathan Denis (foreground)
with officers and Sheriff
Photos courtesy of Alberta Justice and Solicitor General

The May long weekend is one of the busiest times of year for outdoor recreation, and the Government of Alberta is encouraging Albertans and visitors to responsibly enjoy the province’s outdoor spaces and recreational amenities.

Jonathan Denis, Minister of Justice and Public Security, recently highlighted what Alberta’s Fish and Wildlife Officers, Conservation Officers, Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Officers and Traffic Sheriffs will be doing this coming long weekend. They will be patrolling Alberta’s roadways, water bodies, parks, and public land. Together with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, they will also conduct check stops and off-highway vehicle compliance checks and inform the public about safe recreation practices, laws and regulations.

“While I think it’s important to celebrate summer and discover Alberta, provincial officers are dedicated to protecting our natural surroundings and keeping Albertans and visitors safe,” said Minister Denis.

Environmental conditions on the May long weekend are typically very wet due to spring rains, melting snow and frost, making the land more susceptible to damage from recreational activities, such as off-highway vehicle use. Motorized vehicles should be kept away from stream banks, wetlands and wet trails. Sewage, garbage, and abandoned equipment should be disposed of properly instead of left on public land or in Alberta’s water bodies.

Alberta’s Fish and Wildlife officers work with the public to ensure fish and wildlife legislation is understood and followed, and to prevent conflicts with wildlife. Together with Parks Service Rangers, they will also patrol public lands to make sure they are used responsibly this long weekend.

While Commercial Vehicle Enforcement officers will conduct checks of passenger, recreational and off-highway vehicles, Conservation officers will safeguard people visiting provincial parks, and protect the flora and fauna. Traffic Sheriffs will also work with the RCMP to patrol the highways for speeders and other unsafe drivers.