Oxford OPP Offer Safety Tips for Victoria Day Weekend

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Friday, 15 May 2026 06:58

By Marcie Culbert @marcieculbert

It's the unofficial start of summer!

OXFORD - The Victoria Day long weekend has arrived, so lots of people will be hitting the roads to head to their cottage, go camping, go to the beach, visit friends or family, or check out one of the fun events happening in Oxford County.

Constable Randi Crawford, the Community Safety Officer for the Oxford OPP, says there will be lots of officers patrolling the roads to make sure everyone arrives at their destination safely.

"We are looking for the top four that tend to cause the most serious injuries or fatalities. That would be drug/alcohol impairment, distracted driving, aggressive driving, and driving without a seatbelt."

If you're planning on visiting your cottage or vacation home over the long weekend, Crawford says you should walk around the outside of it before entering, especially if you haven't been there for a while.

"Unfortunately, we have heard of times where people break into these dwellings there kind of stay there, if they are unhoused they might stay in those spaces. So I always like to remind people to put their safety first, do an outside check, call police if there is someone there, and we will be there to assist you. Don't take matters into your own hands!"

If the home is empty but you believe someone may have broken into it at some point, you can call the OPP's non-emergency line at 1-888-310-1122.

We do have beautiful weather in the forecast for the next few days, so lots of people might be heading out on the water. Crawford recommends looking over Transport Canada's Safe Boating Guide beforehand because it has lots of useful information.

She also has this reminder for everyone.

"No alcohol is to be consumed on a boat! The only time it can be is if you have a boat with toilets, eating spaces, and sleeping quarters. That boat also has to be docked or anchored and the operator cannot be impaired."

OPP officers will be patrolling the water to make sure everyone is being safe.

Lots of people also like to celebrate the Victoria Day long weekend with some fireworks. If you are one of those people, Crawford says you should do your research beforehand, because the rules regarding fireworks are different for each municipality.

"If you want to do fireworks and you want to see them because they are great, but make sure you go to a municipality where they are allowed. If you are there, it is the owner of the property that has permission to permit the fireworks in a municipality where they're allowed."

Crawford recommends checking out a public display instead. Local firefighters will be hosting one at the Princeton ball park tonight and there will be another one in Thamesford on Sunday for Calithumpian.

The City of Woodstock does not permit the personal use of fireworks.

Can you believe it?
Victoria Day Long Weekend (#May24) is this weekend!#OxfordOPP wants you to include safety and respect in whatever your plans are this weekend.
1.Don't #Drive or #Boat intoxicated.
2.Wear your #Seatbelt or #Lifejacket.
3.Don't #Drive or #Boat while… pic.twitter.com/4Zc5zv4mYW
— OPP West Region (@OPP_WR) May 12, 2026