Things to know about Public Safety in British Columbia
We hope you enjoy your stay in British Columbia and Canada. While you are here, there are some things you should be aware of to make your stay as safe and enjoyable as possible.
1. Security of personal belongings. The majority of 2009 WPFG venues will be patrolled by private security and police. Despite this, all athletes and guests are advised to remove any valuables from their vehicles while in their venue or accommodations. Do not leave any valuables unattended. Large unattended items will be seized by security personnel.
2. Consumption of alcoholic beverages. The legal age for the consumption of alcoholic beverages in British Columbia is 19. The consumption of alcoholic beverages in public areas is illegal in British Columbia. Within the 2009 WPFG Games Village and Entertainment Areas, alcoholic beverages may be consumed by those over the age of 19 within the clearly marked areas. It is unlawful to consume alcoholic beverages in a motor vehicle, whether or not it is moving. There will be a significant police presence on the roads, and drinking and driving checks will be conducted. Drinking and driving offences will be strictly enforced around all our venues. The legal limit is 0.08 mg% of alcohol; however, any amount of alcohol in your system may constitute an impaired driving offence. You will automatically receive a 24 hour driving prohibition at 0.05 mg%.
3. Smoking. Smoking in enclosed public areas is unlawful. This includes all restaurants, pubs, clubs, transit and sporting facilities. It is unlawful to smoke within 10 meters of a building access or gated area. It is unlawful to smoke in a vehicle with children present. There are some areas which are designated for smoking and are clearly marked. The only legal smoking product in Canada is tobacco.
4. Medications and Drugs. Importation of prescription drugs is strictly controlled. Ensure you have supporting medical documentation for medications required during your stay. Drugs and medications in Canada are only available through a licensed pharmacy or retail outlet. The possession of marijuana or any controlled drug or substance is a criminal offence throughout Canada unless prescribed by a licensed medical practitioner.
5. Driving. We drive on the right side of the road throughout Canada. Seatbelts are mandatory in British Columbia and child restraint devices are required up to a certain height and weight. The speed limit on most roads within city limits is 50 km/hr. Most highways are 60 to 80 km/hr with the exception of high speed routes which are marked up to 100 km/hr. Some visitors may require an International Driving Permit to drive in Canada. Contact your travel agent or licensing office for details, or refer to the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia website at www.icbc.com for detailed driving information and regulations. If you are involved in a collision, you must contact the local police to report the incident and at the very least, exchange your driving information with the other driver. This includes your driver's license number and insurance.
6. Firearms. Firearms may not be carried in public or in a ready for duty condition, except by Canadian law enforcement members in accordance with their agency regulations. If you are in transit to the Canadian border and are required to carry a duty or "off duty" firearm that is not pre-authorized for importation you cannot bring it into Canada. You must make your own arrangements to leave it in your country of origin. Failure to comply with this regulation will result in criminal charges and the seizure of the firearm. Only firearms which are registered with the Canadian Firearms Center or the 2009 WPFG Integrated Security Unit for importation may be allowed into the country.
7. On the town. There are many entertainment venues in the Greater Vancouver area. Bars and pubs which subscribe to the "BARWATCH" program pride themselves in providing a secure environment for their patrons. Stickers are clearly displayed at the entrance to theses establishments. Feel free to speak to any police officer or the host of the daily security meeting (timings to be announced) if you would like further information.
If you require emergency assistance from police, fire or ambulance, call 911 from any phone
Emergencies are defined as a danger to life and limb, crimes in progress, or incidents of immediate danger to the public or property. The non emergency numbers for all agencies can be found in the blue (government) pages of any phone book or you can call directory assistance at 411.
The following police agencies can be contacted for non emergencies, depending on which venue city you are in:
- Abbotsford - Abbotsford Police Department 604-859-5225
- Burnaby - Burnaby RCMP Detachment (Royal Canadian Mounted Police) 604-294-7922
- Chilliwack - Upper Fraser Valley Regional Detachment (RCMP) 604-702-4086
- Coquitlam - Coquitlam RCMP Detachment 604-945-1550
- Delta - Delta Police Department 604-946-4411
- Langley - Langley RCMP Detachment 604-532-3200
- Maple Ridge - Ridge Meadows RCMP Detachment 604-463-6251
- New Westminster - New Westminster Police Service 604-525-5411
- North Vancouver - North Vancouver RCMP Detachment 604-985-1311
- Richmond - Richmond RCMP Detachment 604-278-1212
- Surrey - Surrey RCMP Detachment 604-599-0502
- Vancouver - Vancouver Police Department 604-717-3535
- Whistler - Sea to Sky Regional Police Services (RCMP) 604-932-3044
