Police remind motorists to pay attention during weekend festivities

SYDNEY — Cape Breton Regional Police are reminding motorists to pay extra attention in downtown Sydney and Louisbourg this weekend.

Large crowds are expected during events connected to the Sydney Waterfront Festival, the Tall Ships visit, Pride Week, Cape Breton Bike Rally and Crab Fest. Police are also taking specific measures to ease traffic congestion and ensure motorist and pedestrian safety.

During the Makin’ Waves Music Festival today, police will enforce existing parking regulations, which includes no parking on sections of George Street and Crescent Street. Beginning at 9 p.m. tonight, the Night Light Parade will travel along the Esplanade, Townsend, George and Dorchester streets, which will be inaccessible to motorist traffic while the parade moves through. Charlotte Street, between Dorchester and Falmouth streets, and Wentworth Street, between Bentinck Street and the Esplanade, will be closed to traffic from 6 a.m.-6 p.m. on Saturday during the Sydney Waterfront Street Festival. Prince and Pitt streets will remain open for through traffic. Beginning at noon on Saturday, the Pride Parade will travel along George, Dorchester, the Esplanade, Townsend and Ferry streets, which will be inaccessible to motorist traffic while the parade moves through.

In Louisbourg, there will be no parking on Lower Warren Street or the right side of Main Street heading inbound to Louisbourg from Friday to Sunday.