60 tossed from Summit Park

“People were there to party,” said Station 12 constable Caroline Gauthier.

Police had received several complaints from local residents who reported late-night crowds, drinking and noise, so on the nights of June 27 and 28, they undertook a special project to deal with residents' concerns. Bicycle police patrolled the park both nights between midnight and 4 a.m.

As it turned out, they were kept busy.

Gauthier reports that 26 tickets were given for breaking park curfew. Four were written for drinking in the park. Police cleared a total of 60 people from the park — 43 on Saturday night alone.

“It’s not saying that all the 43 were making trouble, however,” Gauthier added. “If it’s two or three people, it’s not a problem. But we think through word-of-mouth it became the place to go. I don’t know the reason this started. Maybe the long weekend, the warm weather, the end of classes, or all of it together.”

This is the first year police say they’ve had a problem at Summit Park.

“We know that summer is here,” said Gauthier. “But there are municipal rules and we’re patrolling the park. It’s closed at night and you’re not allowed to be there.”

The park is bordered by Cote-des-Neiges Road and Summit Circle and boasts a stunning view of the city below.

The Westmount park curfew was put in place this time last year after numerous complaints of vandalism, graffiti, and substance abuse in municipal parks. The parks are closed to the public between midnight and 5 a.m. Fines range from $37 to $75 for repeated offenses.

“We’ll go with what the situation demands,” said Gauthier. “We went because there was a problem. If it continues, we’ll keep returning. But for us, this section will warrant special attention — all our patrollers know it can be a problem area.”