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Health Departments Southwestern Public Health

The Biggest Single Day Spike of COVID-19 Cases in Our Region Means We Could be Moving Up a Tier

Today Southwestern Public Health reported 19 cases of COVID-19, bringing the total number of active confirmed cases in the region to 72. It also reported the region’s eighth death.

“These numbers are predictive of a move to the Red Tier of Ontario’s Safe and Open Strategy which will have a significant impact on our local businesses. These numbers – some of the highest of the year for us – are also predictive of an increase in serious illness, hospitalizations, ICU stays, and death,” warns Dr. Joyce Lock, Medical Officer of Health for Southwestern Public Health.

“There is good news, however. The good news is that each of you have what it takes to bring these numbers down, to decrease the amount of virus circulating around us, and to lower the risk to the community we love,” adds Dr. Lock.
The health unit asks the public to focus on three actions that will reduce the most common sources of transmission seen in our region:

  1. Maintain physical distance and wear a face covering in the workplace. The virus spreads quickly and easily when people are close together and unmasked, particularly in areas like break or lunchrooms.
  2. Limit close contact to members of your household. Close contact is within 2 metres for longer than 15 minutes.
  3. Stay home and get tested if you experience even one symptom. A test is the only way to know if your symptoms are COVID-19 related. Once you know your result you can take action to keep your loved ones safe.

About Southwestern Public Health
Southwestern Public Health works with its partners to ensure the health of the whole community. Our programs respond to public health emergencies; promote healthy lifestyles; help prevent injuries, illness Southwestern Public Health delivers mandated programs under the Ontario Public Health Standards and is regulated by the Ontario Health Protection and Promotion Act. The health unit maintains primary locations in Woodstock and St. Thomas. For more information, visit www.swpublichealth.ca.

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WFP

Free Marijuana With Purchase Sweeping Ontario – Businesses Grasping Loophole While Falling Through Cracks

Ma & Pa shops are shuttering across Ontario like dominos due to massive drops in business and/or to protect their Communities. Estimates range up to 80% of small town Ma & Pop businesses won’t survive this apocalypse. This will remove the culture and individuality of our rural towns, as the businesses have fallen through the cracks and get no support from any level of government.

Big box stores in Ontario have used a loophole to be “an essential service” to keep open during lockdowns, taking business away from main streets everywhere. National chain restaurants stay open with 75% wage subsidies paid for with our tax dollars, while the Ma & Pop shops get nothing as they fall through the cracks. Forced to subsidize the competition while the government shuts your business down has to be a bitter pill to swallow.

In Canada it is legal to gift up to 30 grams of dried cannabis to anyone of legal age. Many businesses have taken to including a free “cannabis gift” with every purchase. Some even offer home delivery in under an hour. 

In Huron County there are already numerous businesses that give cannabis away with each purchase. Bongs, t-shirts, pizza and even snow removal come with free weed if you know the right business. Most are already widely known in the area, ask around.

Expect more and more small businesses to offer free cannabis with purchase in the future.

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Health Departments Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance

COVID-19 Outbreak Declared on the Medicine Unit at Stratford General Hospital

The Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance (HPHA) has declared an outbreak of COVID-19 on the Medicine Unit at its Stratford General Hospital site today after two cases of the virus were identified in staff members. No patients have acquired the virus while in hospital.

Outbreak status refers to two COVID-19 cases within a 14-day period, where both cases could reasonably have been acquired in the hospital.

“All outbreak control measures are in place and there has been no transmission to other patient care areas of the hospital,” says Andrew Williams, President & CEO. “We are taking an abundance of caution as we review this situation, are working closely with Huron Perth Public Health and will ensure staff, patients and family members/caregivers are kept apprised of all necessary information.”

Affected staff are currently self-isolating at home and will not return to work until their self-isolation period is complete and they are asymptomatic.

Since receiving transfers from the Cedarcroft Retirement Home in mid-November the Medicine Unit has implemented enhanced cleaning and infection control procedures. As a result of the Outbreak, the Unit has enacted restricted admission and discharge protocols and will be closed to visitors, with limited exceptions.

“These realities serve to remind all of us of the importance of following public health measures – wearing a mask, physically distancing, washing our hands and staying home when unwell,” adds Williams. “By doing this, and working together and supporting one another, we will get through this.”

The hospital remains open for all scheduled clinics, procedures and emergency visits and HPHA will continue to update the community, as more or changing information occurs.

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Area OPP Police Press Releases

Cyclist Killed – MILLER Facing Criminal Code Charge

(ST. CLAIR TWP, ON) – On August 22, 2020 at approximately 10:00 a.m. the Lambton Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and Lambton Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and St. Clair Fire Department attended Petrolia Line, St. Clair Township in relation to a fatal motor vehicle collision involving a bicycle and a motor vehicle.  

Melissa MILLER, 38 year old of St. Clair TWP, was arrested and charged with Dangerous Operation Causing Death, pursuant to the Criminal Code.  

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice-Sarnia on January 11, 2021.   

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Area OPP Police Press Releases

19 Year Old Repeat Offender From ACW Facing Numerous Charges – Assault With Weapon etc.

(GODERICH, ON) – A 19-year-old resident of Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh is facing a dozen charges following some events that took place yesterday in and around Goderich.

At approximately 3:48 p.m. Huron County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officers responded to a weapons related call on East Street in the Town of Goderich. Police learned there was an interaction involving a weapon that was swung at a victim. The accused subsequently fled the scene in his pickup truck only to be spotted minutes later by a patrol officer.

An attempt was made to stop the suspect vehicle however the driver immediately fled from the officer. The suspect vehicle raced dangerously through Goderich at a high rate of speed failing to stop for traffic signs and signals. Officers did not chase after the suspect vehicle however later that evening police were called to a residence north of Goderich at Huron Haven where they located the suspect and suspect vehicle. The accused was arrested and taken into custody without incident.     

The subsequent investigation revealed the accused also became involved in family dispute where he committed further offences. 

Ryley INGHAM, 19 years of age from Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh has been charged with the following offences:

  • Assault with a Weapon
  • Flight From Police Officer
  • Dangerous Operation
  • Assault – 2 Counts
  • Uttering Threats
  • Fail to Comply with Probation Sentence – 2 Counts
  • Class G1 Licence Holder – Unaccompanied by qualified driver
  • Fail to Apply on Becoming Owner
  • Use Plate Not Authorized for Vehicle
  • Operate Motor Vehicle Without Insurance

The accused remains in custody with a court appearance scheduled for December 4, 2020 at the Ontario Court of Justice – Goderich.   

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OPP Police Press Releases

Drunk Driver Arrested Following Collision – DUNN

(Midland, ON) – Members of the Southern Georgian Bay detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police responded to a report of a motor vehicle collision on Balm Beach Road in the Town of Midland at 4:00pm on December 2nd, 2020. Upon arrival at the scene, officers spoke with one of the involved drivers and noticed the smell of alcohol.  Police entered into an impaired driving investigation and administered a Roadside Screening Test on the driver. As a result, officers arrested the driver who was transported to the Southern Georgian Bay detachment to provide further breath samples. 

Kristopher DUNN, 28 years of Tiny Township is charged with the following Criminal Code offences:

  • Operation While Impaired
  • Operation While Blood Alcohol – 80 or above  

The accused was released and will appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on December 17, 2020 in Midland.

The OPP is committed to serving our province by protecting its citizens, upholding the law and preserving public safety. If you have any information about this incident please contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS). You can submit your information online at www.crimestopperssdm.com if you have any information regarding this incident.

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Area OPP Police Press Releases

Have You Seen These Stolen Snowmobiles?

(LAKESHORE, ON) – On December 2, 2020 Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Lakeshore Detachment received a complaint of theft of a trailer containing two snowmobiles. The trailer has since been located but the snowmobiles are outstanding.

Police are asking the public to be on the lookout for a yellow 2006 Ski-Doo MXZ and an orange 2005 Artic Cat FZ.

The investigation is ongoing by members of the Community Street Crime Unit. Anyone with information regarding this or any other incident is asked to call the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or leave an anonymous online message at www.catchcrooks.com where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.

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Police Press Releases Waterloo Regional Police

68 Year Old Killed By Garbage Truck While Walking Dog

Publish Date: Dec 3, 2020
Incident Date: Jul 14, 2020
Location: COUNTRYSIDE CRES and TUERR DR, WESTERN INTERSECTION KITCHENER ON Canada

As a result of the investigation, a 29-year-old Cambridge male has been charged with Careless Driving cause Death and Start from Stopped Position – Not in Safety. Both charges are under the Highway Traffic Act. The male was issued a summons on October 10, 2020, and will appear in court in early 2021.

PREVIOUS SUMMARY or SUMMARIES:

Published: Jul 15 2020 4:48PM
As a result of the collision, the pedestrian, unfortunately, succumbed to her injuries.

Published: Jul 14 2020 3:58PM
On Tuesday, July 14, 2020, at approximately 8:50 a.m., Waterloo Regional Police responded to the area of Tuerr Drive and Countryside Crescent in Kitchener for a collision involving a pedestrian and garbage disposal vehicle. The victim, a 68-year-old female, and her dog were walking along Tuerr Drive, crossing the road towards Countryside Crescent, when they were struck by a garbage disposal truck. The pedestrian was airlifted to an out-of-region hospital with serious life-threatening injuries. The dog sustained fatal injuries. Roads within the area were closed for approximately five hours while investigators remained on scene. The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to call the Traffic Service’s unit at 519-570-9777 ext. 8835.

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Durham Regional Police Police Press Releases

$2 Million Weed Bust

Members of the East Division Community Response Unit seized a Mississauga home and more than $2 million in cannabis and cash as part of Project Sorento.

The drug investigation began in mid-September as a result of a citizen complaint regarding drug trafficking in the Bowmanville area. The complainant advised that illegal drugs were being sold to youths in the community. The East Division Community Response Unit began an investigation and after approximately two months, they arrested several suspects and executed two search warrants at two separate residences, one on Clipper Lane in Bowmanville and one on Sidmouth Street in Mississauga.

Police seized the two homes and over $1.9 million in ready for sale cannabis, shatter (THC extract), cannabis vape pens, edibles and approximately $150,000 in Canadian currency.

Calvin HOANG, age 27, of Mississauga, Vuong TRAN, age 52 of Thornhill, Dung NGUYEN, age 43, of Mississauga, Yen-Thi LE, age 47, of Mississauga and a 17-year-old female of Mississauga are facing numerous charges including: Possess Proceeds of Crime; Possess Cannabis for the Purpose of Selling; Sell Cannabis to an Adult and Possess Illicit Cannabis.

See the attached YouTube video of the virtual press conference – here

Members of the East Division Community Response Team would like to thank the community for their ongoing support and partnerships.

Anyone with new information about this investigation is asked to contact Sgt. Thomson of the East Division Community Response Unit at 1-888-579-1520 ext.1646.

Anonymous information can be sent to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.durhamregionalcrimestoppers.ca and tipsters may be eligible for a $2,000 cash reward.

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Police Press Releases Saugeen Shores Police

Photo Of Stolen Trailer Released – Plate: T30 66F

Saugeen Shores Police are looking to locate this 2020 K-Trail Galvanized Dump Trailer.

The trailer was stolen from a local business located on Highway 21 between December 2nd and December 3rd 2020, in the Town of Saugeen Shores. Licence Plate attached T3066F but may have been removed since.

Please call Saugeen Shores Police Service at 519-832-9200 or Crime Stoppers 1-800-222-8477 if you have any information.

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Area OPP Police Press Releases

Methamphetamine Bust – MATHESON

(TOWNSHIP OF WELLINGTON NORTH, ON) – On November 28, 2020, at approximately 3:30 p.m. Wellington County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) stopped the driver of a rental truck on Main Street South in the Town of Mount Forest. Police arrested the driver who was wanted on an outstanding warrant.

The driver was found to be in possession of a quantity of drugs suspected to be cocaine, fentanyl, and methamphetamine. Police also seized drug distribution paraphernalia and Canadian currency.

Randy Lee MATHESON 36-year-old of Southgate Township has been charged with three counts of Possession of a Scheduled 1 Substance – for the Purpose of Trafficking contrary to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. The Accused was held for bail hearing at the Ontario Court of Justice-Guelph.

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OPP Police Press Releases

Fatal Collison

(CALEDON, ON) – Officers from the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Caledon Detachment are investigating a fatal motor vehicle collision that occurred on Highway 9 west of Airport Road in the Town of Caledon.

On Thursday, December 3rd, 2020 at approximately 11:54 a.m., OPP responded to a two-vehicle collision on Highway 9. The collision involved two motor vehicles – a white Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) and a black pickup truck.

Initial investigation revealed that the white SUV was exiting from a private lot that houses several businesses, when it was struck by the pickup truck travelling westbound on Airport Road.

Caledon OPP and other emergency services responded to the scene immediately to assist the parties involved. The driver of the SUV, a 78-year-old from Caledon, was transported to a hospital, where the driver succumbed to the injuries sustained as a result of the collision.

The driver of the pickup truck was treated at the scene and didn’t not report any injuries at the time.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information regarding this collision is asked to contact the Caledon OPP Detachment at (905) 584-2241 or toll-free at 1-888-310-1122.

You can also provide information anonymously by contacting Peel Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.peelcrimestoppers.ca. When you contact Crime Stoppers you stay anonymous, you never have to testify, and you could receive a cash reward of up to $2,000 upon an arrest.

Highway 9 is closed between Airport Road and Mountainview Road while the Traffic Collision Investigation Unit (TCI) conducts their investigation.

If you witnessed the collision and wish to speak to victim services, Caledon/Dufferin Victim Services can be reached at 905-951-3838.

Categories
OPP Police Press Releases

Weekly Press Releases – Hawkesbury

(ALFRED-PLANTAGENET TWP, ON) – The Hawkesbury Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is asking for the public’s assistance in connection with a fatal collision investigation.

On November 18, 2020, shortly after 8:00 a.m., OPP officers, Alfred-Plantagenet Township Firefighters and Prescott-Russell Paramedics responded to a five vehicle collision on County Road 17 in Alfred-Plantagenet Township, just west of County Road 9.

One driver was pronounced deceased at the scene. The OPP continues to investigate the cause of the collision.

Anyone who witnessed the collision or has any information that may assist investigators is asked to contact the Hawkesbury OPP at 613-632-2729 or 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

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FESTIVE RIDE HAS BEGUN

The OPP will be out several times daily beginning on November 25th looking for drinking drivers. The RIDE programs at this time of year are dubbed “Festive RIDE” in an effort to make the Festive Season a safe one on the roads. Motorists can expect to be stopped at the random spot checks while police ensure drivers are sober and obeying the law. Festive RIDE checks will continue through the holiday season until January 3rd 2021. 

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IMPAIRED DRIVERS

(HAWKESBURY, ON) – On November 29, 2020 at approximately 2:20 a.m., Hawkesbury OPP officer S. Trudeau was conducting a R.I.D.E. initiative on John Street in the Town of Hawkesbury, when a blue 2019 Honda Civic stopped at the checkpoint.

As a result of the investigation, the driver, Jean Jacques LAROCHE, age 61 of Hawkesbury Ontario, was arrested and charged under the Criminal Code of Canada with “Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)”.

The vehicle was seized for 7 days and the driver’s licence was immediately suspended for 90 days.

The accused was later released and scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice located in L’Orignal on December 16, 2020.

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(CHAMPLAIN, ON) – On November 22, 2020 at approximately 2:20 a.m., Hawkesbury OPP officers M. Kingsbury and W. Simpson were conducting a R.I.D.E. initiative on Bay Road at Blue Corner Road in the Champlain Township, when a silver 2003 Honda CCR stopped at the checkpoint.

The traffic stop resulted in locating Methamphetamine pills and marihuana inside the vehicle.

The driver, Jonathan PICARD, age 35 of Alfred-Plantagenet Ontario, was arrested for driving a motor vehicle with the abilities impaired by drug. The driver was charged under the Criminal Code of Canada with “Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs”, under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act with “Possession of a Schedule I Substance – Methamphetamine”, and also under the Cannabis Control Act with “Drive vehicle or boat with cannabis readily available”.

The vehicle was seized for 7 days and the driver’s licence was immediately suspended for 90 days.

The accused was later released and scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice located in L’Orignal on December 16, 2020.

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(CHAMPLAIN TOWNSHIP, ON) – On November 20, 2020 at approximately 7:10 p.m., Hawkesbury OPP Constable Kingsbury responded to a single motor vehicle collision, vehicle in ditch, on Bay Road in the Champlain Township.

As a result of the investigation, the driver, Brian LAWRENCE, age 73 of L’Orignal Ontario, was arrested and charged under the Criminal Code of Canada with the following sections:

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

– Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs

The vehicle was seized for 7 days and the driver’s licence was immediately suspended for 90 days.

The accused was later released and scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice located in L’Orignal on December 9, 2020.

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(CHAMPLAIN TOWNSHIP, ON) – On November 17, 2020 at approximately 8:10 p.m., Hawkesbury OPP officers responded to a single motor vehicle collision, vehicle in ditch, on Pattee Road in the Champlain Township.

As a result of the investigation, the driver, Eric GROULX, age 46 of Champlain Township, was arrested and charged under the Criminal Code of Canada with the following sections:

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

– Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs          

The driver was also charged under the Highway Traffic Act with “Fail to report accident”.

The vehicle was seized for 7 days and the driver’s licence was immediately suspended for 90 days.

The accused was later released and scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice located in L’Orignal on December 16, 2020.

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(EAST-HAWKESBURY TOWNSHIP, ON) – On Saturday, November 7, 2020, at approximately 3:15 a.m., Hawkesbury OPP Constable Maceus responded to a report of a possible impaired driver on Highway 417 in the East-Hawkesbury Township area.

The vehicle, a white 2011 Nissan Altima, was soon after located and intercepted.

As a result of the investigation, the driver, Guytho ALEXANDRE, age 49 of Ottawa Ontario, was arrested and charged under the Criminal Code of Canada with the following sections:

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

– Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs          

The vehicle was seized for 7 days and the driver’s licence was immediately suspended for 90 days.

The accused was later released and scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice located in L’Orignal on December 2, 2020.

The Hawkesbury OPP wish to remind motorists that mixing driving with alcohol, drugs, or prescription medication may impair your ability to drive. If police determine that you have the presence of cannabis or alcohol in your system and/or that you are impaired by any substance including illegal drugs, prescription drugs or over-the-counter medications, you will face severe consequences and potential criminal charges.

If you suspect that someone is driving while impaired, call 9-1-1 to report them to police. In doing so, you could be saving lives.

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THEFT OF CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS

The Hawkesbury Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received complaints from residents reporting missing outdoor Christmas ornaments, lights and decorations. These theft incidents occurred overnight on residential properties.

If you have any information of the following incident, please contact the Hawkesbury OPP at 613-632-2729 or at 1-888-310-1122.

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POLICE SEEK ASSISTANCE TO IDENTIFY PERSON OF INTEREST

(HAWKESBURY, ON) – The Hawkesbury Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is investigating a break and enter that occurred at a business property situated on Cameron Street in the Town of Hawkesbury.

During the investigation, the image of a person that police believe has information in the matter, was captured on video surveillance.

(Photo (#1) of person of interest is attached.)

If you can identify the person on the photo, please contact Constable Dubois at the Hawkesbury OPP Detachment at 613-632-2729 or 1-888-310-1122.

Categories
OPP Police Press Releases

6 Month OPP Investigation Gets More Drugs Off The Streets

(GATINEAU, QC) – The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) East Region Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU) has wrapped-up a six month investigation, resulting in two arrests in the Province of Quebec.

The investigation, dubbed Project STOW, culminated with simultaneous search warrants being executed on December 2, 2020 at two locations in the Gatineau, Quebec area. Officers of the Street Crime Unit were assisted by the OPP Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau, the Sûreté du Québec and Gatineau Police. Officers seized a large quantity of suspected methamphetamine, as well as cocaine, illicit cannabis, ammunition, over $2000 in cash and items typically associated with drug trafficking. Two males in their 40s were taken into custody at the two locations. They were released while the investigation continues.

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OPP Police Press Releases

Timothy TARRANT Facing Drunk Driving Charge After Being Followed Home By Hero

(ELLIOT LAKE, ON) – On December 3, 2020 at 4:23 p.m., the East Algoma Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) members were called to a possible impaired driver who had almost collided with another vehicle on Frobel Drive in Elliot Lake.

The complainant reported a car had almost hit their vehicle and continued on without stopping. The suspect vehicle was followed to their residence and police were called.  

Police attended and spoke to the driver. A strong odour of alcoholic beverage was detected emanating from the driver’s breath. An Approved Screening Device (ASD) was administered which resulted in a fail. As a result, the driver was arrested, driver’s license suspended, and the vehicle was towed and impounded.

Timothy TARRANT, 62 years of age, from Elliot Lake was charged with:

  • Operation while Impaired – alcohol and drugs, contrary to section 320.14(1)(a) of the Criminal Code (CC),
  • Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus), contrary to section 320.14(1)(b) of the CC.

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Elliot Lake, on January 5, 2021.

The OPP remind motorists that no amount of alcohol or drug is acceptable to consume and drive. Report impaired drivers. Should you observe a suspected impaired driver, please dial 911 or contact the Ontario Provincial Police at 1-888-310-1122.