Police warn against using drones after Whiteout party

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This article was published 22/04/2024 (553 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Winnipeg police are warning people not to illegally fly drones over crowds after more than one was spotted in the downtown area during the Whiteout street party Sunday.

“The operators of these drones were located, identified and are being investigated. As a reminder, private drone use is prohibited over crowds, and operators could face serious penalties,” the Winnipeg Police Service said in a news release Monday.

The first Winnipeg Jets street party of the 2024 Stanley Cup playoffs drew thousands of people downtown.

Privately owned drones must be operated away from bystanders, crowds, emergency operations and advertised events, police pointed out.

“Drone operators need to familiarize themselves with the specific laws and regulations that apply to their location and the intended use of the drone. Violating drone operation regulations can result in fines, penalties and legal consequences,” the WPS said.

“Public safety is always our highest priority. A drone’s loss of control or malfunction poses a serious risk of injury to the public. Unauthorized drone use may also interfere with certified/authorized aircraft in the area, including violation of Transport Canada regulations.”

More information about safely and legally flying drones is available on Transport Canada’s website at http://wfp.to/yLf.

The City of Winnipeg announced street closures to accommodate the next Whiteout party for Game 2 Tuesday. Game time is 8:30 p.m.

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Southbound Donald Street between Portage and St. Mary avenues will be closed from 9 a.m. Tuesday until about 3 a.m. Wednesday. The sidewalks will be closed at noon Tuesday and reopen overnight.

Graham Avenue is closed in both directions between Hargrave and Smith streets from 9 a.m. Tuesday until about 1 a.m. Wednesday. The sidewalk on the north side of that section of Graham will be closed at noon Tuesday and will reopen overnight.

Winnipeg Transit buses will be rerouted off of Graham between Kennedy and Smith streets starting at 9 a.m. Tuesday. Regular service will resume Wednesday. More information on rerouting and schedules can be found at winnipegtransit.com.

The Millennium Library will be closing early on Tuesday, at 6 p.m., and the Donald Street entrance and exit of the library’s parkade will be closed at 9 a.m. Sunday. It will reopen at about 3 a.m. Wednesday.

fpcity@freepress.mb.ca