West Vancouver Police are stepping up patrols starting tonight, days after a grad celebration in Ambleside grew to roughly 1,500 youth and turned unruly.
The crowd began gathering around 10 p.m. on June 18 as students from several North Shore high schools converged on Ambleside. While most attendees were peaceful, police say the swelling crowd brought open alcohol consumption, vandalism, and heavy littering. By 1 a.m., with public safety at risk, officers declared an unlawful assembly and ordered the group to disperse. It took until 5 a.m. to clear the beach and business areas.
Sign up for news alerts from the North Shore Daily Post
WVPD says it isn’t trying to shut down the celebrations themselves. “We’re proud of our local grads,” the department said, “but we want celebrations to stay safe and respectful for participants, residents, and businesses. Unsafe and illegal behaviour will not be tolerated.”
Starting tonight, WVPD’s Waterfront District Crime Reduction Project — funded by the BC government’s BC PROP public safety program — will boost police presence across the district’s busiest areas, from Capilano River through Park Royal, Ambleside, the Central Business District, Dundarave, and Horseshoe Bay. Expect more visible patrols along Marine Drive, the Spirit Trail, and the Centennial Seawalk, with officers focused on deterrence and community engagement.
“With school out and a summer of festivals and events ahead, we’re asking parents to talk to their teens about celebrating responsibly,” said Sgt. Chris Bigland.
Residents can report unsafe behaviour to WVPD’s non-emergency line at 604-925-7300, or call 911 for immediate risks.
