Saskatchewan RCMP say they handled a heavy workload during this year’s Country Thunder Saskatchewan, recording 177 calls for service between July 9 and July 13 in and around the Craven Valley. Officers were stationed both on the festival grounds and across nearby roadways, responding to disturbances, property complaints and suspected impairment behind the wheel.
Public safety focus across festival grounds and roads
Mounties reported a mix of criminal and provincial enforcement. In total, police laid three Criminal Code charges and 20 provincial charges, alongside targeted efforts to curb impaired driving. RCMP Traffic Services, working with SGI, ran proactive enforcement on Friday through Sunday, a period that saw high vehicle volumes coming to and from the site.
During those traffic initiatives, officers issued 54 roadside suspensions linked to suspected impairment — 42 for alcohol and 12 for drugs. Two drivers were also charged criminally for impaired operation. Roadside suspensions involve immediate administrative penalties and a temporary loss of driving privileges under provincial rules, separate from criminal charges. RCMP noted that these suspensions are included in the overall tally of calls for service.
“This was a successful weekend thanks to the cooperation of festival-goers, organizers, volunteers, emergency services and all partners,” said Staff Sgt. Evan Gordon of the Saskatchewan RCMP. “Large-scale events like Country Thunder require a collective commitment to safety, and largely speaking, we saw that throughout the weekend.”
Alcohol, disturbances and property complaints
Officers addressed a range of calls on site, from noise and disorderly behaviour to property-related incidents. Enforcement under provincial liquor legislation and the gaming regulator’s rules comprised a significant portion of the weekend’s files.
- 28 offences under the Alcohol and Gaming Regulation Act
- 23 calls for disturbing the peace or causing a disturbance
- 11 reports tied to mischief, damage or obstruction of property
- 5 reports of theft under $5,000 (items included coolers, lawn chairs and merchandise)
- 2 reports of assault, one resulting in a criminal charge
| Category | Reported/Actioned |
|---|---|
| Total calls for service | 177 |
| Criminal Code charges | 3 |
| Provincial charges | 20 |
| Roadside suspensions (alcohol) | 42 |
| Roadside suspensions (drugs) | 12 |
| Impaired driving criminal charges | 2 |
| Alcohol & Gaming offences | 28 |
| Disturbance-related calls | 23 |
| Mischief/property issues | 11 |
| Theft under $5,000 | 5 |
| Assault reports | 2 |
Checkstops net hundreds of tickets and warnings
Traffic Services also established two check stops at festival entrances. According to RCMP, more than 1,000 drivers were screened during the operation. Officers issued 460 tickets and written warnings under the Traffic Safety Act in the broader Craven area over the weekend. The combination of on-site patrols and roadside checks formed the backbone of the police plan to manage congestion, deter impaired driving and respond quickly to calls for help.
What it means for festival-goers and nearby communities
Large festivals concentrate people, vehicles and alcohol in a small area over a short period, creating predictable pressures on policing and emergency services. The weekend’s results reflect that pattern: disorder calls, liquor-related violations, and property complaints featured prominently, while proactive traffic work addressed risks on the highways. For residents and businesses around Craven, the enforcement push is intended to balance the economic and cultural benefits of the event with safety and livability.
For drivers, the outcomes are a reminder that roadside suspensions can be issued where police have reasonable grounds to believe there is alcohol- or drug-related impairment, even if a criminal charge is not laid. Criminal impaired charges are pursued separately when investigative thresholds are met. Liquor rules on festival grounds and in campsites also continue to be enforced, with violations leading to tickets or other sanctions under provincial law.
RCMP credits partners, urges continued vigilance
Police attributed the overall safety picture to cooperation among attendees, organizers, volunteers and first responders. The RCMP’s message heading into future large gatherings is consistent: plan a sober ride, respect liquor rules and report concerns early. With a visible police presence both inside the venue and at key access points, the aim is to keep emergency calls manageable and ensure people can travel to and from the site safely.
