Operation Lookout keeps Manitoulin OPP busy
This past weekend the Manitoulin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to seven calls for service under the program Operation Lookout. Operation Lookout is a program that encourages motorists to call the Police and report possible impaired or aggressive drivers. Calling 911 or *OPP on their cell phones motorists can report the direction of travel, description of the vehicle and the driving behaviour. Officers can then intercept the vehicle and the driver. The following calls were investigated this weekend:
· Highway 6, Great Cloche Island – unsafe passing
· Highway 542 Mindemoya – possible impaired driver
· Fox Tower Road, Billings Township – excessive speeding
· Highway 540, Billings Township – Vehicle swerving into oncoming traffic
· Town of Gore Bay – unsafe vehicle
· Highway 6, NEMI Township – passing on curve
· Highway 540, NEMI Township – driving slower than normal flow of traffic
“These vehicles were intercepted and dealt with either by warnings or charges depending on the investigation. The public do a great job in helping us keep our roads safe and this is just one example on how programs like this work,” said S/Sgt. Kevin Webb, Detachment Commander with the Manitoulin OPP.
Focussed patrol addressing traffic concerns
The Manitoulin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has implemented a new program to have OPP officers involved with focussed patrols. When complaints are received by the public on a traffic issue or concern, officers will now be engaged in community safety to address these concerns. This is done by: canvassing and speaking with the public in the community to discuss their concern; having Community Services Officer Constable Allan Boyd educate the public through multi-media; develop a strategy to address the concern; front line officers providing enforcement action; and collecting statistics of the plan and report back to the community.
In the main village of Tehkummah there is a four-way stop that has seen numerous complaints to the OPP that the motoring public are not stopping at the intersection and a possible serious collision or tragedy could occur. The Manitoulin OPP will be implementing a focussed patrol at this intersection to address the concerns. Failing to stop at a marked stop sign can lead to a $110 fine and three demerit points. The public is being warned that officers will be watching and charges will be laid if infractions are observed.
Manitoulin male charged with impaired driving
On Sunday, July 5 at 2 am, Manitoulin Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) had occasion to check a Chevy Blazer on King Street in Mindemoya. As a result of this traffic stop a male person was arrested and charged.
A 29-year-old male of M’Chigeeng First Nation has been changed with the following offences: impaired operation of a motor vehicle and exceed 80 mgs of alcohol.
He was later released and given a promise to appear for the Ontario Court of Justice in Gore Bay to answer to the said charges.
Police seeking information into vandalism incident
On Monday, July 6 at approximately 8 am, a town employee of the Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands Township reported to the Manitoulin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) vandalism at the Nolan Sisson Skate Park on Water St in Little Current. Police attended and noticed that graffiti had been spray painted on the cement pad of the skate park and adjoining roadway. Police initiated an investigation into this mischief of property.
If anyone has any information this crime, please call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). If your tip leads to an arrest, you may be eligible for a cash reward. You will never have to give your name or testify in court and Crime Stoppers doesn’t have call display.
Theft of boat motor investigated
On Monday, July 6, the Manitoulin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police received a call in regards to a 20HP Evinrude outboard motor that had been stolen sometime during the past week. The motor was attached to a fishing boat that was parked on the complainant’s property. The motor is described as a 1986, light metallic blue in colour. Police have initiated an investigation into this theft.
If anyone has any information about this theft, please call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). If your tip leads to an arrest, you may be eligible for a cash reward. You will never have to give your name or testify in court and Crime Stoppers doesn’t have call display.
OPP reminds off-road enthusiasts to know local bylaws before riding your ORV on local roadways
The North East Region Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is reminding off-road vehicle (ORV) operators to check with your municipality to ensure local by-laws have been amended to allow two-up all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), side-by-side ORVs and utility terrain vehicles (UTVs) on-road access in your respective areas.
As of July 1, the Province of Ontario implemented updates to The Highway Traffic Act Ontario Regulation 316/03 that extends on-road access for more types of off-road vehicles on Provincial Highways. It is however, up to each individual municipality to enact bylaws for the local roadways to coincide with the provincial amendments.
“It is the operator’s responsibility to consult the Highway Traffic Act and to contact the municipality to confirm certain off-road vehicles are permitted on area roadways,” says North East Region Traffic Inspector Mark Andrews. “It could take some time for municipalities to review the new provincial legislation and to figure out how it fits with their individual needs.”
Safety is always a number one concern for OPP. “We often stop operators who are not wearing an approved and properly fastened helmet, or who are not 16 years of age,” states Inspector Andrews. “When you don’t wear a helmet, you are at a much higher risk of serious injury or death in the event of an ORV incident. Knowing the laws and operating your ORV in a safe manner are the first steps to making your ORV experience a positive one.”
North East Region OPP officers will continue their enforcement and education efforts on local roadways and trails in an effort to save lives. For more information about what has changed, please visit: www.ontario.ca/atv.
CSBC and OFAH team up to keep Ontario anglers safe on the water
The week of July 4 to 12 marks National Fishing Week in Canada. Together, the Canadian Safe Boating Council (CSBC) and the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH) want to remind anglers that wearing your lifejacket is even more important than wearing your ‘lucky fishing hat.’ The hat and life jacket do share one common trait, however. They both have to be worn properly to be effective.
Many of those who don’t wear their lifejackets or PFDs believe that, since they are good swimmers, having them onboard and within easy reach is good enough. But a lifejacket stored under a seat or up in the bow will be of no help should the unexpected happen, like falling overboard while trying to net the big catch.
“National surveys clearly show that more than half the recreational boats sold in Canada are used for fishing on a regular basis,” says John Gullick, chair of the Canadian Safe Boating Council. “During National Fishing Week, the Canadian Safe Boating Council would like to remind all anglers not only to have their lifejacket onboard their boat, but to wear it as if their life depended on it—because it just might.”
Many of today’s anglers are delighted with the models that are designed specifically to suit their needs. They’re rugged, allow for full freedom of movement to cast and are constructed with lots of pockets for gear. Some even come equipped with an attachment from which to hang a landing net. When choosing their lifejacket, anglers should also check the label to make sure it is Transport Canada approved, is the correct size and fits snugly.
“Fishing is part of our outdoor heritage and Ontario offers so much in the way of great fishing opportunities,” said OFAH Executive Director Angelo Lombardo. “The OFAH encourages everyone to wet a line this summer, whether it’s at a provincial park taking advantage of the OFAH TackleShare program, spending quality time at the cottage or at that favourite fishing spot with family and friends. Please make safety a priority.”
At this important time of year, the CSBC and OFAH are asking those who fish to ‘Get Hooked on Lifejackets.’
