LITTLE CURRENT—The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are once again reminding Haweaters and the people who love to celebrate them that they will be out in full force this Civic Holiday weekend in Little Current.
Staff Sergeant Kevin Webb, detachment commander with the Manitoulin OPP, told The Expositor in a pre-Haweater Weekend interview that the Haweater policing plan has been in place for some time and will be enacted beginning later this week when extra officers in the highway safety division and SAVE (Snowmobile, ATV and Vessel Enforcement) Unit will be on hand to assist with keeping the public safe this holiday weekend.
Along with highway safety and the SAVE Unit, the OPP will also be bolstering its foot and ground patrols, interacting with the public at every opportunity, Staff Sergeant Webb said.
“We will have zero tolerance for offences,” the staff sergeant warned, noting that depending on the offence, tickets, arrests and/or charges could be laid.
During night shifts an extra 12 officers will be on patrol, with an additional eight officers during the daytime.
“It came to a head in 2011 and we beefed up our numbers the following year,” Staff Sergeant Webb explained. “Over the last two years, the venues have enjoyed zero major occurrences.” While the OPP laid a number of liquor licence infractions, such as drinking in a public place or having open liquor, it has been, for the most part, quiet.
“We want people to come to Haweater, enjoy the venues and follow the rules,” he added.
Staff Sergeant Webb used the example of house parties on the weekend. While many Little Current residents are patient and realize that parties do occur, neighbours should not be expected to “tolerate any excess.”
“Everyone realizes this is an exciting, fun time, but if police receive a complaint and it appears to be getting out of hand, we will caution the homeowner,” he said. “If it continues, that could lead to an arrest and a possible criminal charge of mischief. Normally, however, a warning is enough.”
“Our patrols are proactive,” Staff Sergeant Webb added. “Our goal is to cover all geography—lakes, trails, streets. We don’t want any tragedies.”
Have a safe and happy Haweater Weekend.
