There are more police patrolling Grand Bend this weekend to try to stop some unwanted visitors from causing issues.

Lambton Shores officials say an unsanctioned car rally is being planned in the community this weekend. It’s the same rally which has caused headaches in other beach towns in Ontario.

Alex Boughen, the municipality’s manager of communication, says Lambton Shores became aware of the event and have been working with the OPP “to put measures in place that will ensure the safety of residents and visitors.”

Boughen says there will be an increased police presence in the area throughout the duration of the event, billed as starting at 7 pm Friday, with the OPP laying charges when necessary and trying to prevent “unsafe or unlawful activities.”

Lambton Shores looking at a number of measures including temporary road closures, detours and traffic calming measures to deter unsanctioned activities.

“The municipality requests that all members of the public adhere to traffic laws and local
by-laws, including noise and parking regulations. Any violations will be strictly enforced
to maintain public safety and preserve the quality of life in the community,” said Boughen in a news release. He’s hopeful the increased police presence will keep the cars away.

The rallies have become unwanted in many beach towns. Last year, Wasaga Beach prevented the H20I Rally from coming to town by getting a court injunction which banned the souped up vehicles from coming to the beach. Police turned away hundreds of vehicles and laid more than 250 charges there.