Shambhala 2025: Keeping Roads Safe or Cashing In?

Shambhala 2025: Keeping Roads Safe or Cashing In?

By Tina Winterlik aka Zipolita

This year’s post-Shambhala headlines were hard to miss: over 800 tickets issued, 83 drug-impaired drivers caught, 59 license suspensions, and nearly 60 vehicles towed. The numbers are shocking — and maybe that was the point.

Of course, nobody should drive impaired. If one life was saved by these efforts, then that truly matters. No one wants tragedy on BC's winding mountain passes. We’ve all seen or heard of crashes that break hearts forever. But something about this year’s enforcement feels different — excessive even. Like someone was trying to make a point. Or worse, make money.

🚔 A Big Step Up

Compared to previous years, this year’s numbers feel like an ambush. In 2024, there were 19 impaired drivers caught. In 2023, around 57. Now, 83? And over 800 tickets?

That’s not just a spike — that’s a statement. A statement backed by fines, suspensions, and tows. A statement that left many festivalgoers — people who came in peace, with art, joy, and community in their hearts — feeling targeted.

💸 Was It About Safety... or Revenue?

Let’s be honest: ticket fines add up. Based on available data, authorities could have easily pulled in $70,000 or more from just five days of enforcement. And that doesn’t include the long-term insurance hikes, impound fees, and administrative costs drivers now face.

Is it possible to care about road safety and also question whether this turned into a money grab? I think so. It doesn’t have to be one or the other.

🌿 Festival Culture Isn't the Enemy

Shambhala is known for its harm reduction, community care, and volunteer medical staff. It’s not some reckless free-for-all. Many attendees plan their trips carefully, travel in groups, and even stay extra nights to rest before heading home. Others carpool, take shuttles, or arrange sober drivers. That side of the story rarely makes headlines.

⚠️ Power Trips Don't Save Lives

This year felt different. Not just in numbers, but in tone. The zero-tolerance messaging. The social media posts flaunting stats. The way police seemed to relish the numbers, not reflect on them.

When enforcement becomes about flexing authority instead of fostering understanding, we all lose. Education and compassion should lead the way — not intimidation and quotas.

❤️ Let's Stay Grounded

If this effort truly saved lives, that matters. But let’s make sure future efforts are focused on support and safety — not punishment. Let’s keep working to educate about impaired driving without criminalizing an entire community. And let’s hold power accountable when it overreaches.

Drive safe. Party with care. Speak truth with love.

#Shambhala2025 #ImpairedDriving #JusticeOrRevenue #ZipolitaSpeaks