'Enhanced' RCMP presence promised as Big White rings in 2021

Kelowna Regional RCMP said it has been “encouraged” by the behaviour of people at Big White Ski Resort as it deals with a COVID-19 cluster.

There have been 111 cases linked to the cluster at the mountain, with fewer than 20 known to be active now.

The resort recently fired some of its staff for allegedly breaking a social contract by putting others at risk of being infected by the virus.

In response to the spread of COVID-19 at Big White, the RCMP increased its patrols.

“As a result of the community’s concerns surrounding the significant increase in confirmed COVID-19 cases tied to the small community, we have enhanced our policing presence in and around Big White,” said S/Sgt. Duncan Dixon.

“We have responded to a relatively low number of COVID-19 related calls for service. On only a few occasions our front line officers have engaged with some individuals participating in activities which were allegedly contrary to the public health restrictions.”

He added: “None of these situations required any enforcement action by police.”

Police presence at the hill will also be enhanced as the community sees in 2021, but the RCMP is urging people to celebrate at home and avoid public gatherings.

“While we certainly can, and will enforce the provisions available to us under the COVID Related Measures Act, we continue to encourage everyone to voluntarily comply with the provincial health orders, so enforcement is not required,” the RCMP explained.