Goderich mayor says town is bracing for potential 'illegal car rally'
Nearly 200 charges were laid when hundreds of car enthusiasts invaded Wasaga Beach last month.
Town officials say participants in the “illegal car rally” raced through the streets, damaged property and generally created chaos.
“In past events there’s been a high number of charges laid in relation to unsafe driving, doing burnouts in the roadway, impaired driving. Police cars were even damaged by participants in these events,” said Huron OPP Const. Jamie Stanley.
Online chatter intercepted by the OPP suggested an illegal or unsanctioned car rally, like the one in Wasaga Beach, may be coming to Goderich this weekend or next.
“That’s scary. That’s an unruly mob, more than anything else. They only care about having fun, and getting what they want. That’s not how I like to do business,” said Goderich Mayor, Myles Murdock.
An unsanctioned car rally is held in Wasaga Beach, Ont. on Sat., Aug. 27, 2022. (Photo Courtesy: YouTube/Redin IRL)
Scathing remarks from Wasaga Beach’s Mayor about the OPP response to the August car rally has prompted a more proactive approach from the Huron County OPP and Goderich, who are working together to alert residents to the possibility of the disruptive event as well as actively trying to deter any “unruly” visitors.
“If the event does happen I want to assure citizens that we do have the necessary resources in place. There may be some disruptions in terms of road closures and access points. We may have to take action to temporarily close down some roads. It’s a situation we are fully prepared for,” said Stanley.
“Just respect what we have and what we offer them for their use and be respectful of that. If they do that, that’s fine. Come anytime,” said Murdock.
The OPP isn’t certain on the exact timing this weekend or next, or a specific location in Goderich of the alleged car rally, or if it will even happen.
Meanwhile, officials in Wasaga Beach are preparing for another potential car rally in the community this weekend.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
More than half of Canadians say freedom of speech is under threat, new poll suggests
A new poll suggests a majority of Canadians feel their right to freedom of speech is in danger.
NEW Biscuits with possible plastic pieces, metal found in ground pork: Here are the recalls for this week
Here are the latest recalls Canadians should watch out for, according to Health Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.
Parents of infant who died in wrong-way crash on Ontario's Hwy. 401 were in same vehicle
Ontario’s Special Investigations Unit has released new details about a wrong-way collision in Whitby on Monday night that claimed the lives of four people.
Tiger Woods gets special exemption to U.S. Open at Pinehurst
Tiger Woods accepted a special exemption for the U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2, the first time the three-time champion has needed an exemption to play.
Wally, the emotional support alligator once denied entry to a baseball game, is missing
Emotional support animal registrations in the United States reached 115,832 last year, by an industry group’s count. But in the eyes of reptile rescuer Joie Henney, there’s only one: 'Wally Gator.'
Maple Leafs down Bruins 2-1 to force Game 7
William Nylander scored twice and Joseph Woll made 22 saves as the Toronto Maple Leafs downed the Boston Bruins 2-1 on Thursday to force Game 7 in their first-round series.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Federal government to announce funding to help Toronto host six 2026 World Cup games
The federal government is set to announce funding to help Toronto host six matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Is your password 123456? Here's why you should make it stronger
With the sheer number of passwords needed today, it may come as no surprise that over 60 per cent of Canadians feel overwhelmed, and over a third reportedly forget their passwords monthly.