RCMP Report 177 Calls During Craven Country Thunder Weekend

The Saskatchewan RCMP responded to a total of 177 calls for service in and around the Country Thunder Music Festival in Craven between July 9 and July 13, 2026. Over the festival weekend, officers laid three Criminal Code charges and 20 provincial charges, while maintaining a visible presence on and near the festival grounds.

Police activity focused on public safety, crowd behaviour, property-related incidents, and impaired driving enforcement. Alongside regular calls for service within the festival site, RCMP Traffic Services and partners conducted targeted traffic initiatives, resulting in 54 roadside suspensions related to alcohol or drugs, as well as extensive ticketing under Saskatchewan’s traffic safety laws.

Official RCMP Details

According to the official report, Saskatchewan RCMP officers were active throughout the Craven area, including inside the festival grounds, responding to a variety of calls for service linked to the Country Thunder weekend. These calls and enforcement actions included, but were not limited to, the following:

• 177 total calls for service during the festival period (July 9–13, 2026).
• 3 Criminal Code charges laid.
• 20 provincial charges laid.

Types of calls for service and offences reported included:

• 28 Alcohol and Gaming Regulation Act offences, involving violations related to alcohol use and regulation at or around the event.
• 23 calls for disturbing the peace or causing a disturbance, connected to disorderly behaviour among attendees.
• 11 reports of mischief, including damage to property or actions interfering with others’ use and enjoyment of property.
• 5 theft-under-$5,000 reports, involving items such as coolers, lawn chairs, and a theft from a merchandise booth.
• 2 reports of assault, one of which resulted in a criminal charge being laid.

In addition to responding to specific calls, officers carried out proactive traffic enforcement operations in partnership with Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI). On Friday, Saturday, and Sunday mornings, Saskatchewan RCMP conducted a focused traffic safety initiative:

• 54 roadside suspensions were issued to drivers who had consumed alcohol or drugs before driving, including:
  • 42 suspensions related to alcohol.
  • 12 suspensions related to drugs.
• These 54 suspensions are included within the overall 177 calls for service.
• 2 individuals charged with operating a motor vehicle while impaired.

RCMP Traffic Services also set up two additional check-stops at the entrances to the festival grounds:

• More than 1,000 vehicle drivers were checked in total at these locations.
• Officers issued approximately 460 Traffic Safety Act tickets and written warnings in and around the Craven area over the weekend.

Police noted that overall safety outcomes for this large event were supported by cooperation from festival attendees, organizers, volunteers, emergency services, and partner agencies. For readers looking to better understand local risk levels outside major events, detailed crime statistics and safety trends for Craven, Saskatchewan can provide additional context on year-round community safety.

CrimeCanada.ca Safety Perspective

From the perspective of CrimeCanada.ca, this alert highlights how large festivals in Saskatchewan can concentrate public safety risks, particularly around impaired driving, alcohol-related offences, thefts, and disturbances. Even when an event is generally well-managed, the combination of crowds, alcohol or drug use, and heavy traffic can quickly elevate the potential for harm if safety rules are ignored.

For community safety around events like Country Thunder, we encourage residents and visitors to plan safe transportation, designate sober drivers, secure valuables at campsites and vehicles, and immediately report disorderly or violent behaviour to police or on-site security. Consistent enforcement—such as the hundreds of traffic tickets, roadside suspensions, and checks conducted here—plays a critical role in preventing serious collisions and injuries. By staying informed and following local safety guidance, the Saskatchewan community can help ensure that major festivals remain enjoyable while minimizing risk for everyone on the road and on the grounds.

Official Source & Community Safety

This safety alert is based on an official release from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). CrimeCanada.ca aggregates and analyzes this data to keep the saskatchewan community informed, aware, and safe. We are an independent safety data aggregator and not the original creators of the underlying incident report.

Read the full official release here: RCMP Official Statement.