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Alerts WFP

Backfire & Backlash Over Weaponizing the Fire Department #LetItBurn #UpYourInsurance

The Corporation of North Huron is once again attempting to politicize the fire department—this time by granting firefighters the powers of by-law enforcement officers and claiming they have authority over private property. This move comes just days after Doug Ford made new “Strong Mayor” (aka Dictator Mayor) powers available to North Huron.

This isn’t the first attempt to militarize the fire service. A previous effort under the so-called “Hometown Security Act” was thwarted when the Fire Chief at the time had the courage to resist and refused to allow the fire department to be corrupted by council overreach.

Tonight, the world will see whether North Huron’s firefighters still carry that same courage and commitment to saving lives—or whether their leadership will kneel to the corporate will of the Municipality of North Huron.

Furious citizens are already vowing not to call the fire department if their homes catch fire.

“Why would I? I’m not inviting by-law officers dressed as firefighters into my home to rifle through my bedroom, check my medicine cabinet, count my pets, measure my grass, or inspect for chickens.”

“Let it burn. It’s better for your insurance claim if the house is reduced to ashes anyway.”

“If the fire department accepts these powers, I’ll treat them the same as any other burglar or trespasser.”

“If these tyrants pull off this power grab, it’s time to shoot, shovel, and shut up.”

Tonight’s council meeting can be viewed on YouTube via the following link: https://www.youtube.com/@TownshipofNorthHuron/streams

North Huron Council Contact Info:
Paul Heffer
280 Manor Road
(519) 357-3594
[email protected] 
Mitch Wright
63 Bristol Terrace
(519) 357-9497
[email protected] 
Lonnie Whitfield
94 John St. West
(226) 222-2585 
[email protected] 
Anita van Hittersum
84012 Hoover Line
(519) 523-4492 
[email protected]
Chris Palmer
39331 Belfast Road
(519) 357-3385 
[email protected] 
Kevin Fascist  Falconer
303 King Street
(519) 955-0301 
[email protected]
Ric McBurney
202 Thuell St, Blyth
(519) 441-7415 
[email protected]

Categories
Alerts WFP

North Huron’s Plan to Merge Fire Chief and By-Law Roles Will Endanger Lives, Erode Public Trust

WINGHAM, ON — A controversial plan by the Township of North Huron to appoint the Fire Chief as a by-law enforcement officer is drawing serious concerns from residents, public safety advocates, and legal observers alike. The proposed move, which effectively combines emergency services with municipal enforcement, is being condemned as a reckless overreach of authority that could lead to 911 hesitancy, delayed emergency response, and loss of life.

North Huron’s by-law enforcement officers have long been the subject of public backlash, with multiple reports of abuse, intimidation, and unlawful enforcement on private property. Merging that enforcement apparatus with the fire department could permanently damage community trust in life-saving services.

“A fire department’s only job is to protect life and property—not to inspect wood piles or issue parking tickets,” said one local advocate. “Turning firefighters into by-law enforcers turns heroes into hall monitors.”

Key Dangers Identified:

  • 911 Hesitancy: Residents may hesitate to call for help in emergencies if they fear being fined or investigated afterward.
  • Loss of Trust: The fire service must remain neutral, trusted, and free from municipal enforcement agendas.
  • Creeping Control: This move may be part of a broader attempt by North Huron to extend its control onto private property under the guise of safety.

“The animosity toward by-law enforcement is well-documented,” said a local resident. “Trying to patch that distrust by dressing it in a fire chief’s uniform will backfire—possibly with deadly consequences.”

Call to Action:

Concerned residents are urging North Huron Council to:

  • Immediately halt any plan to merge fire and by-law roles.
  • Affirm the independence of the fire department as a life-saving service, not a municipal enforcement arm.
  • Restore public trust by ensuring emergency services are never used as a tool of surveillance or property control.

“Firefighters should save lives, not issue by-law warnings.”

The next council meeting is Monday 6pm, make your voice heard before then.

North Huron Council Contact Info:
Paul Heffer
280 Manor Road
(519) 357-3594
[email protected] 
Mitch Wright
63 Bristol Terrace
(519) 357-9497
[email protected] 
Lonnie Whitfield
94 John St. West
(226) 222-2585 
[email protected] 
Anita van Hittersum
84012 Hoover Line
(519) 523-4492 
[email protected]
Chris Palmer
39331 Belfast Road
(519) 357-3385 
[email protected] 
Kevin Fascist  Falconer
303 King Street
(519) 955-0301 
[email protected]
Ric McBurney
202 Thuell St, Blyth
(519) 441-7415 
[email protected]

Categories
Alliston OPP Police Press Releases

2 Arrested In Drug Bust

(Alliston, ON) – Officers from the Nottawasaga Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have charged two individuals following a drug trafficking investigation.

In the Fall of 2024, the Nottawasaga OPP Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU) entered into a drug trafficking investigation. Between April 30, 2025, and May 1, 2025, search warrants were executed in Barrie, Orangeville, Brampton, Churchill, and Niagara Falls. Units that assisted with the searches and the arrests that followed include the Provincial ROPE Unit, the Central Region Emergency Response Team, Central Region Canine, and CSCU’s from Huronia West/Collingwood, Orillia, and Dufferin. Over 2000 grams of cocaine and more than 100 grams of fentanyl valued in excess of $192,000 were part of the property seized.

As a result of the investigation, Spencer WONG, 37, of Orangeville, was charged with:

• Traffick in Schedule I substance – Cocaine

• Traffick in Schedule I substance – Fentanyl

• Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – Cocaine

• Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – Fentanyl

• Failure to comply with release order

Danielle MARSHALL, 32, of Barrie, was also charged with:

• Traffick in Schedule I substance – Cocaine

• Traffick in Schedule I substance – Fentanyl

• Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – Cocaine

• Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – Fentanyl

Both accused were held for a Bail Court at the Ontario Court of Justice in Barrie.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information that may assist investigators is asked to call Nottawasaga OPP at 1-888-310-1122. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or online at www.crimestopperssdm.com.

Categories
Elgin OPP Police Press Releases

Assault & Trafficking – Evan SARAZIN

(ELGIN, ON) – Members of the Leeds County Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a serious head-on collision on Highway 15 which sent both drivers to hospital with life-threatening injuries. The investigation is still ongoing, and numerous charges have been laid against one of the passengers.

On Friday, May 2, 2025, at noon, multiple reports of a two-vehicle head-on collision on Highway 15 near the village of Elgin were received. Members of Leeds OPP attended the scene of the crash and determined an initial vehicle had two adult occupants, whereas the other vehicle had two adult occupants and one infant. With the assistance of the Rideau Lakes Fire Department and Leeds and Grenville Paramedic Services, the two drivers were transported to a regional trauma centre for reported life-threatening injuries. Fortunately, all three passengers did not sustain any substantial injuries.

The Leeds County OPP Crime Unit, OPP Reconstructionists, and OPP Technical Traffic Collision Investigators are currently assisting with the investigation.

Both drivers are in critical but stable condition and remain in hospital.

The passenger of the initial vehicle refused to provide their identity following a legal demand. During a vehicle search, members of Leeds OPP located a knife, approximately eight grams of suspected cocaine, and other items often related to drugs.

As a result of the investigation, 39 year-old Evan SARAZIN of Ottawa is charged with:

  • Obstruct peace officer
  • Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking
  • Assault

The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Brockville on June 13, 2025.

The investigation is ongoing, and driving-related charges are pending for the driver of the initial vehicle as a result of the collision.

If you have any witness information to provide, such as dashcam footage, contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. If you wish to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or leave your tip online at ontariocrimestoppers.ca.

Categories
Midland OPP Police Press Releases

Drunk Stunt Driving – Michael FINNAMORE Arrested

(MIDLAND, ON) – An officer from the Southern Georgian Bay Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) conducted a traffic stop on Highway 12, Midland for a speeding offence resulting in the commencement of a impaired driving investigation.

The officer conducted the traffic stop of an eastbound vehicle that was travelling in excess of 40 km/hr over the posted 60 km/hr zone at approximately 11:41 p.m. May 2, 2025 near the intersection of Franke Kindred Road and Highway 12 and upon speaking to the driver entered into an impaired driving investigation.

As a result of this investigation, Michael FINNAMORE 35 years of Port Severn has been charged criminally with the following driving related offences.

  • Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs
  • Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)

And Further with

  • Stunt Driving Excessive Speed contrary to the Highway Traffic Act 

The accused was released from custody to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice  on the May 15, 2025, and was also served a 90 day drivers licence suspension. The involved vehicle was towed and subject to a 14 day vehicle impound in accordance to the Ministry of Transportation (ADLS) guidelines.

The OPP remains committed to taking alcohol/drug-impaired drivers off our roads through enforcement and public education. If you know or suspect that a driver is impaired by alcohol or drugs, call 9-1-1. In doing so, you may save a life.  The OPP reminds motorists to plan ahead and to use a designated driver, cab, public transit, or stay overnight. Any amount of alcohol or drugs can impact your ability to make sound judgements. Enforcement and education is essential to save lives and reduce injuries on our trails, roadways and waterways.

File # E250548438

Categories
Midland OPP Police Press Releases

Drug & Weapons Bust – Repeat Offender Arrested Again

(MIDLAND, ON) – As a result of an ongoing police investigation, members of the OPP Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU) from the Southern Georgian Bay Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) executed a search warrant at a Forest Harbour Parkway, Tay Township residential address at approximately 5:00 a.m. May 2, 2025.

CSCU investigators assisted by uniform OPP officers along with members of the OPP Tactical Rescue Unit (TRU), seized a considerable quantity of drug like substances believed to be cocaine, purple fentanyl, various prescription medications believed to be Oxycodone and Clonazepam, a .22 caliber semi-automatic handgun with a fully loaded clip, a quantity of various caliber ammunition a conducted energy weapon (CEW) and an expandable baton. Additionally, a quantity of Canadian currency, a number of cell phones and other related drug paraphernalia were also seized. (See attached photograph).

Investigators have arrested and charged Kevin MUNRO 42 years of Tay Township with the following charges contrary to the Criminal Code of Canada and who was held for a bail hearing and will appear before the Ontario Court of Justice at a future date.

  • Possession of prohibited or restricted firearm with ammo
  • Operation While Prohibited under the Criminal Code
  • Possession Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000 – in Canada
  • Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5000 – in Canada
  • Possession of Firearm or Ammunition contrary to Prohibition Order
  • Knowledge of Unauthorized Possession of Firearm

And further with the following offences contrary to the Controlled Drug and Substances Act

  • Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking – Cocaine
  • Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking-Opioid (other than heroin)
  • Possession of a Schedule I Substance – Opioid (other than heroin)

Also charged is a 34 year old female of Tay Township with the following criminal offences who was released to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice at a future date.

  • Knowledge of Unauthorized Possession of Weapon
  • Possession Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000 – in Canada
  • Possession of prohibited or restricted firearm with ammo
  • Knowledge of Unauthorized Possession of Firearm

This is a continuing investigation and investigators ask that anyone having knowledge of this investigation to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122, [email protected] or by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).You can submit your information online at https://www.crimestopperssdm.com/ Crime Stoppers does not subscribe to call display and you will remain anonymous. Being anonymous, you will not testify in court and your information may lead to a cash reward of up to $2,000.00.

File – RM25084863

Categories
Gravenhurst OPP Police Press Releases

HORTON Arrested For Drunk Driving

(GRAVENHURST, ON) – The Bracebridge Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has charged one driver during afternoon patrols in Gravenhurst.

On May 2, 2025 at 3:30 p.m. a Bracebridge OPP officer was conducting general patrol in the town on Gravenhurst and observed a vehicle on Phillip Street commit a traffic infraction. The officer followed the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop nearby and subsequently arrested and charged 62-year-old David HORTON of Oakville, ON with Operation While Impaired – Over 80 and Careless Driving. He will appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Bracebridge on May 27, 2025 to answer to his charges.

Bracebridge OPP has charged 37 drivers to date in 2025 as impaired driving continues to be a significant factor affecting the safety of Muskoka roads. If you suspect someone is driving a vehicle of any kind while impaired, please call 9-1-1.

For more information on impaired driving, please visit https://www.ontario.ca/page/impaired-driving.

Categories
OPP Orillia Police Press Releases

Cocaine At Courthouse Leads To Charges

(ORILLIA, ON) – The Orillia Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), assisted by the Orillia Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU) and the Orillia Community Mobilization Unit (CMU), have laid drug trafficking charges after an individual attended the Ontario Court of Justice for an appointment.

On May 1, 2025, around 1:00 pm, officers of the Orillia OPP were working at the Ontario Court of Justice on Memorial Avenue in the City of Orillia. As they were assisting with court security, they noted an individual who had set off the metal detector near the doors. Officers engaged with the party and noticed an object in their jacket pocket which they had refused to take out. Police were able to observe the object and saw a clear bag with a large amount of a pressed white substance and commenced into a drug trafficking investigation.

As a result, almost 65 grams of suspected Cocaine and over $3,500 were seized from the accused, Joseph CRANDALL, aged 43, of Orillia, and they face the following charges:

–       Resist Peace Officer (CC), and

–       Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking – Cocaine (CDSA).

The accused was held in custody to appear at in the Ontario Court of Justice in Orillia the following day for a bail hearing.

The Orillia OPP is committed to serving our province, including the Townships of Oro-Medonte, Ramara and Severn and the City of Orillia. If you have any information about crime in our community, please contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. To report minor occurrences online please visit www.opp.ca/reporting. You can also call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit your information online at www.crimestopperssdm.com. Crime Stoppers does not subscribe to call display, and you will remain anonymous. You will not testify in court and your information may lead to a cash reward of up to $2,000.00. 

Categories
London OPP Police Press Releases

Spike In School Bus Collisions

(LONDON, ON) – A spike in school bus crashes has the members of West Region Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) concerned.

Over the last thirty days, the OPP have investigated nine crashes involving school buses in various communities across West Region in southwestern Ontario. Thankfully, there have been no injuries reported to any students or bus drivers.

School bus travel is extremely safe. Every school day in Ontario, over 800,000 students are transported in school buses that travel 1.9 million kilometres. They’re one of the safest forms of transportation, but safety doesn’t happen by accident; it takes awareness, responsibility, and teamwork from everyone-drivers, students, parents, and the community.

School buses are designed to be safe, with flashing lights, stop signs, high seats, and trained drivers. Even in incidents where no one is hurt, the risk is real. That’s why motorists need to focus on prevention, not just reaction.

Advice for parents: talk to your children about staying alert near roads. Remind them to wait for the bus to come to a full stop, to use handrails when boarding, and to always cross the street in front of the bus, never behind it.

Advice for students: you have a part to play too. Don’t push or run when getting on or off the bus. Listen to your driver. Stay seated and avoid distractions. You’re the future, and your safety is a top priority.

Advice for drivers in our community: slow down. Be patient. Stop when the bus stop arm is extended. That pause could save a life.

Let’s work together to make sure every ride to and from school is a safe one. Because when it comes to our children, safety should never be optional-it should be automatic.

For more information, please visit: https://www.ontario.ca/page/school-bus-safety.

“The safety of our children is non-negotiable. Be vigilant and patient when driving near school buses. When you see a school bus with its stop arm extended, it means lives are crossing the road. Stopping isn’t just the law-it’s your responsibility.” – Inspector Mike McConnell, Manager, Traffic Safety and Marine, West Region OPP Headquarters.

Categories
Norfolk OPP Police Press Releases

3 More Impaired Drivers Arrested

(NORFOLK COUNTY, ON) – Three individuals have been charged as a result of separate impaired driving investigations.

At approximately 2:24 p.m. on Sunday, April 20, 2025, Norfolk County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officers were conducting a Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere (RIDE) program on Angling Road in Townsend, Norfolk County, when they stopped a vehicle and evaluated the driver’s sobriety.

As a result, the driver was taken into custody without incident.

62-year-old John WOOTON from Brantford, Ontario, has been charged with the following alleged offences:

  • Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs,
  • Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus).

The accused is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Simcoe on Tuesday, May 6, 2025.

At approximately 5:30 a.m. on Sunday, April 27, 2025, Norfolk County OPP officers responded to a single-vehicle rollover involving a sport utility vehicle (SUV) on Charlotteville East Quarter Line Road in Simcoe, Norfolk County.

The investigation determined that the SUV was travelling along Charlotteville East Quarter Line Road when it left the roadway and entered the ditch. No injuries were reported.

As a result, the driver was taken into custody without incident.

During a search of the individual, officers seized a quantity of suspected cocaine and drug-related paraphernalia.

55-year-old Michael LEENDERSTE from Norfolk County has been charged with the following alleged offences:

  • Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs,
  • Possession of a Schedule I substance – cocaine.

The accused is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Simcoe on Tuesday, May 27, 2025.

At approximately 4:12 p.m. on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, Norfolk County OPP officers responded to a 9-1-1 call reporting a suspected impaired driver on Park Road in Simcoe, Norfolk County.

Officers located the vehicle and subsequently took the driver into custody without incident.

32-year-old Jordan DEPAUW-HAMILTON from Norfolk County has been charged with the following alleged offence:

  • Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus).

The accused is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Simcoe on Tuesday, May 20, 2025.

If you observe a driver or operator you suspect may be impaired, contact the OPP or the nearest police authority by dialing 9-1-1.

Categories
Marathon OPP Police Press Releases

Samuel GERGES – Impaired Driving

(MARATHON, ON) – The Ignace Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has charged one person following a traffic complaint on Highway 17 in Ignace.

On April 30, 2025, shortly after 5:30 p.m., officers received a report of a vehicle travelling at a high rate of speed on Highway 17. Police located the vehicle travelling Westbound and conducted a traffic stop.

Through investigation, it was determined that the driver of the motor vehicle was impaired by drug. The driver was subsequently placed under arrest and transported back to the Ignace OPP Detachment for further testing.

Samuel GERGES, 35-years-old, of Woodbridge, Ontario has been arrested and charged under the Criminal Code, Cannabis Act, and the Cannabis Control Act with:

·      Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs

·      Possession of over 30g dried cannabis (or equivalent) in a public place

·      Drive vehicle or boat with cannabis readily available

Further to this, the accused had his driver’s licence suspended for 30 days, and vehicle impounded for 14 days.

The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Thunder Bay on the 25th of June 2025.

If anyone has any information regarding this incident, they are being asked to contact the Marathon OPP Detachment at 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous you can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).

Categories
Collingwood OPP Police Press Releases

Another Dies In Police Custody – SIU Invokes Silence

(Collingwood, ON) – The Special Investigations Unit (SIU) has invoked its mandate in relation to an incident that took place in Collingwood. 

On Thursday, May 1, 2025, members of the Collingwood Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) arrested a male for breaching a conditional sentence order. He was transported to the Collingwood OPP Detachment where he was subsequently lodged in cells and held for a bail hearing. 

Shortly after 6:00 p.m., the individual went into medical distress. He was subsequently transported to a local hospital where he was later pronounced deceased.

The OPP has notified the SIU, which has invoked its mandate. As a result, the OPP will not be able to provide further information. Any other inquiries should be directed to [email protected].

Categories
Kenora OPP Police Press Releases

John ANDERSON Was Arrested

(KENORA, ON) – On April 30, 2025, at approximately 12:30 a.m., members of the Kenora Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a report of an individual causing a disturbance.

Police were notified that suspect was yelling and striking vehicles in the area of Seventh Avenue South. Police located the suspect, who then resisted police direction as he was being placed under arrest.

As a result of the investigation, John ANDERSON, 42-years-old of Kenora, Ontario has been charged with the following Criminal Code offences:

·      Causing a Disturbance

·      Resist Peace Officer

The accused was released from custody and will appear before the Ontario court of Justice at a later date.

The OPP would like to thank the public for their assistance in this matter. Anyone with further information related to this incident is encouraged to contact the Kenora OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

Categories
Police Press Releases Waterloo Regional Police

Teen Repeat Offender With Gun & Drugs Found Under Car #3Strikes

Waterloo Region, Ontario – Waterloo Regional Police have charged a male for multiple drug and firearm related offences in Kitchener.

On April 30, 2025, at approximately 12:20 a.m., Central Neighbourhood Police officers were on proactive patrol in the area of King Street East and Scott Street.

While on patrol, officers located a male who was wanted for previous criminal offences. The male fled from officers.

During the search for the suspect, which included the use of the Service’s canine unit, a firearm and a large quantity of suspected drugs were located. 

The K-9 Unit was able to track a suspect hiding underneath a vehicle and an arrest was made.

An 18-year-old male from Kitchener is being charged with multiple criminal offences including:

  • Escape lawful custody
  • Possession of a firearm for a dangerous purpose
  • Carry concealed weapon
  • Three counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking schedule I substance
  • Fail to comply with a release order

The male was held for a bail hearing.

WA25106099 (917)

Categories
Lakeshore OPP Police Press Releases

Logan CAMPBELL Was Arrested

(LAKESHORE, ON) – One person has been charged following a traffic complaint in the Municipality of Lakeshore.

On May 1, 2025, at approximately 6:04 a.m., members of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a traffic complaint on County Road 8 in the Municipality of Lakeshore. 

Logan CAMPBELL, 26-years-old of Leamington, was arrested and charged with the following Criminal Code offences:

  • Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs
  • Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
  • Dangerous operation

A 90-day Administrative Driver’s License Suspension (ADLS) and a seven-day vehicle impoundment was initiated as per statute.

The accused was scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice – Windsor on May 13, 2025, to answer to the charges.

The safety of our community is paramount, and we will continue to enforce impaired driving laws to keep our roads safe. “Traffic Safety is Everyone’s Responsibility”. 

If you have an urgent traffic complaint or if you suspect someone is driving while their ability to operate a motor vehicle is impaired by drugs of alcohol, please call 9-1-1 immediately.

If you have a non-emergency traffic complaint, you may also call 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).