The Nootka Sound RCMP and Gold River first responders had a 鈥渟weet surprise鈥� for the community on Halloween.

Gold River Fire Department, BC Emergency services and RCMP came together to set up a Halloween booth outside the village office and handed out pre-packaged candy bags to trick-or-treaters on Saturday evening.

鈥淣ot everyone was comfortable going around trick or treating on Halloween because of the pandemic so we decided to provide a safe and supervised environment for the children of the community to enjoy Halloween activities,鈥� said Cpl. Kimberly Rutherford, from the Nootka Sound detachment.

Over a hundred costumed children, teenagers, adults and a 鈥渄inosaur鈥� passed by to collect their treats and pose for photographs in an outdoor setup.

鈥淭he evening was fun and refreshing,鈥� said Rutherford, and added, that it was also a 鈥渘ice opportunity to see the children鈥� from the community after a long period of COVID-19 isolation.

Moreover, celebrating Halloween in a supervised environment ensured that social distancing and health and safety protocols were being implemented on the occasion.

Each department鈥� RCMP, fire and ambulance units 鈥� donated candy that was packaged in accordance with health and safety regulations. 鈥淲e packed the candy into packages using tongs and everyone was wearing masks,鈥� said the police officer.

In addition, Rutherford also reported that Halloween 2020 was a crime-free day in the neighbourhood as the Nootka Sound RCMP had no calls or reports of any disturbances that day.

鈥淭here were no negative calls, nor did we receive any liquor complaints from the area.鈥�