(File photo/RCMP)

By Pete McIntyre

prizes

Highway Patrol celebrates 150th anniversary of RCMP with festive safety checks

May 23, 2023 | 12:49 PM

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police are celebrating their 150th anniversary today (May 23), and the BC Highway Patrol is inviting drivers to help them celebrate at one of their ‘festive’ road safety checks.

The checks will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at eight locations in B.C., and will be a bit different than a normal road check.

“Watch for our BCHP officers in their high boots, breeches, and Stetsons as they engage motorists in road safety checks to discuss the need for driving safely as we move into the summer with better weather and driving conditions,” Staff Sgt. Kris Clark said.

“BCHP officers will be inviting motorists to join in our celebration of the 150th anniversary of the RCMP,” Chief Superintendent Holly Turton said.

“People will have an opportunity to Spin to Win for BCHP swag such as sunglasses, reflective zipper pulls, key light whistle key chains, and more. You can also get a photo with a Mountie in red serge or on your own with our BCHP backdrops.”

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At some of the stops, BCHP members also have motorcycles, drones, and other specialty vehicles on display.

Road safety checks will be held at the following locations:

South Coast Highway Patrol – one Road Safety Check:

• Outbound Station, Britannia Beach chain-up area, on Highway 99 Northbound

Kootenay Highway Patrol – two Road Safety Checks:

• Summit of Rogers Pass in Glacier National Park of Canada – 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. MDT
• Yakh Weigh Scales at Kingsgate — 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. MDT

Central Highway Patrol – two Road Safety Checks:

• Highway 97C Eastbound at the information booth entering West Kelowna
• Highway 5 Southbound at the old tollbooth

Vancouver Island Highway Patrol – one Road Safety Check:

• Between Highway 19 and Rupert Road at the welcome pullout for traffic headed into Qualicum Beach

Northern Highway Patrol – two Road Safety Checks:

• Williams Lake at the Highway 97 Visitor Centre
• Smithers at the Telkwa pullout on Highway 16