The City of Castlegar has taken steps to deter late night rabble-rousing near the Castlegar and District Community Complex.

They plan on installing a mosquito device in the vicinity of the Castlegar skatepark and another near the Castlegar ambulance station.

The electronic mosquito device emits a loud piercing noise at a high frequency that can generally only be heard by youth 25 and under. That irritating noise, much like an annoying mosquito, and thus the name, quickly causes youth to disperse.

City of Castlegar councillor Deb McIntosh is hoping it does its job.

“There were issues brought forward. After much discussion we realized it was not the skateboarders doing it.

“There are other influences coming in,” said McIntosh.

After much discussion, the city decided the better alternative would be to install the mosquito devices.

“Our other options would be to close it down or gate it. If it works, then great! No one wants to get rid of the park,” stressed McIntosh.

McIntosh said closing it wouldn’t be fair to the many skateboarders who use the skatepark and respect the premises.

“We’re proud of the skateboarders. Unfortunately we have to do this. We don’t think it’s the skateboarders. Like any other group you don’t do things like that where you hang out,” said McIntosh.

As for targeting a specific age group, McIntosh said something had to be done, and the mosquito devices are a start in discouraging late night partiers and hangers on.

“This is not discrimination against youth, but what do we do with the issues there?” asked McIntosh.

McIntosh said the devices will be active from 11 p.m. to 3 a.m.

“When people shouldn’t be there,” she added.

Due to the time of year, and the reluctance of party goers to spend much time outdoors, the city said it’s likely the devices won’t be installed until spring.