Don’t plan on rushing the stage to get to country superstar Keith Urban Saturday.

First of all ladies, he’s taken.

Secondly, with the amount of security put in place for Canada Day festivities around Hollinger Park, it would be wise to just go and enjoy the country’s 150th Birthday celebrations.

And that’s just the tip of the iceberg on what measures are in place for what will no doubt be the biggest Canada Day bash the City of Timmins has ever seen.

“We have a very comprehensive plan in place to ensure everyone’s safety at the festival here,” says Timmins Police Deputy Chief Des Walsh, “We do anticipate increased numbers on Canada Day. Of course, Canada Day is the big day that we’re all looking forward to.”

He says there will be an increased police presence at the park, reaching out across Northeastern Ontario for more assistance. Officers from Sudbury, North Bay and West Nipissing are en route to help.

The OPP will also provide assistance and will be checking the grounds before the gates open at noon.

Walsh didn’t specify just how many will be on site for tomorrow, but the “security and police numbers that we have on site are more than sufficient to make sure that everyone has a safe and a good time.”

“With Keith Urban being the calibre of talent that he brings to Timmins, obviously people will want to get as close as possible to the headliner and we get that,” Walsh said.

“As a matter of fact, my wife’s one of those people,” he said smiling, “But I’ve already scolded her and told her ‘Listen, you can go and enjoy Keith Urban’s performance but don’t try to get anywhere near him.'”

Walsh adds Urban travels with a capable security team.

“Normally, (Urban’s team takes) the lead in making sure that nothing of that nature happens. But beyond that, if something on the remote chance that something were to happen, we have sufficient resources in place in both private security and policing that will be able to handle that.”

“We’ve been preparing for this event for the last six months,” added Timmins Police Inspector Henry Dacosta, “We’ve looked at contingency packages, we have an operational plan in place and we’re here. We’re here to deal with situations.”

Throughout the festival, Walsh says officers and security have been able to learn a lot and fix “a few minor glitches that were in place” from the opening day.

“Everything has been running smoothly (since then),” he said, “We’re quite confident in saying that.”

But just because officers are there as security, don’t think you can’t approach any of them. In fact, Walsh says interaction with police is encouraged.

“(Our officers are) having a great time themselves (too) and to us, that’s important that our officers interact with everyone in the community,” he said.

“That’s a bonus that comes out of the festival is that we get to interact with all sorts of folks, not only from Timmins, but from out of town.”

However, just to make it easier on you, Walsh urges you that before you go to Hollinger Park, familiarize yourself with the rules on the Stars and Thunder website and make sure you’re not bringing any prohibited items on site.

“That will save you a lot of grief when you’re in the queue line to get in,” he said.

“Once you’re in, we’re going to be here to make sure that your safe and have a good time and don’t mind giving our officers a high five every once in a while if you think they’re doing a good job.”

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