Police are increasing their presence in in Creston Thursday as a OneBC town hall and rally draw hundreds of people to the Creston Valley, though police do not anticipate major safety issues.
The Lower Kootenay Band and its allies are organizing the rally in response to the town hall being organized by party leader Dallas Brodie.
It’s expected to draw protesters from throughout the region who share concerns with Brodies past statements on residential schools.
Staff Sgt. Brandon Buliziuk said the detachment is aware of the event and rally and that additional resources are being deployed to maintain safety.
“There will be an increased RCMP presence during this event. We will have frontline officers, liaison officers and a Unified Command with other Emergency Services Agencies,” Buliziuk told Vista Radio.
He said RCMP also anticipate controlling a portion of the Highway 3/3A junction using barricades and traffic control personnel.
“This is being established to ensure the safety of people standing roadside and for that of the motoring public,” added Buliziuk.
He said police have been in contact with the groups planning the rally and, at this point, have not identified any major public safety concerns.
However, he acknowledged the inherent risk any time hundreds of people with opposing political views gather in the same place.
“Individuals are accountable for their own behaviour and should incidents occur that fall outside of the bounds of lawful assembly, enforcement action may be required.”
Anyone not attending the event or rally is advised to avoid the area to reduce congestion and allow emergency services to operate if needed.
Those attending on foot are encouraged to be visible. High-visibility clothing is recommended.
For the travelling public, traffic flow and roadway access should not be hindered. Should roads become blocked, Buliziuk said safety measures will be established before reopening them to the motoring public.
The OneBC town hall is scheduled for Feb. 12 from 7 to 9 p.m. The location has not been disclosed by the party, though rally organizers believe it is being held at a local hotel.
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