The crowds continue to grow in Halifax, overflowing from the waterfront right through the downtown.
There are between 4,000 and 5,000 visitors expected on the Halifax waterfront between Friday and Monday.
That many people in the downtown over a weekend is always a security concern.
“We want to make sure that nobody is being distracted, that no one is going to hurt themselves,” says Colin MacLean of the Halifax Waterfront Development Corporation. “Our security is very mindful of that and they’ll make sure people are under control.”
The crowds aren’t the only thing flowing. With the warm weather and extra people, alcohol is also being poured and businesses are benefitting.
Stores have been steady before lunchtime and patios are filling up for most of the afternoon.
“This year, maybe because of the sunshine, we’ve had a much better year,” says bar owner Victor Syperek.
Syperek has been keeping his bar well stocked to keep up with demand.
The combination of extra people and alcohol is being factored into security detail. Those involved in planning say alcohol hasn’t been cause for concern on the waterfront so far.
“We typically see more people during the evening hours and they’re using the patios and the weather is nice so they want to sit on patios, but overall, it’s usually the same crowds, and no major issues,” Cst. Shawn Currie of the Halifax Regional Police tells CTV News.
Police are hopeful things will remain calm as the crowds continue over the weekend.
With files from CTV Atlantic's Jacqueline Foster
