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Blind River OPP Police Press Releases

Steven TOMEI Was Arrested

(BLIND RIVER, ON) – The East Algoma Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) arrested a person after a traffic stop on Longview Avenue.

On December 11, 2025, at approximately 3:45 a.m., police stopped a grey 4-door Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) to check the status of a temporary plate. While speaking to the driver, open alcohol could be seen inside. After searching the vehicle, police located and seized suspected crushed up Adderall pills, crack pipe, scale, dime baggies, open alcoholic beverages, a dagger, and bear spray. The driver was subsequently arrested and charged.

Steven TOMEI, 48-years-old, of Blind River was charged with:

·      Possession of a Schedule III substance

·      Possession of weapon for dangerous purpose

·      Drive motor vehicle with liquor readily available

·      Drive motor vehicle, no currently validated permit

·      Class G1 licence holder – carry front-seat passenger

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Elliot Lake on January 8, 2026.

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OPP Orillia Police Press Releases

Drug Bust – Braidan CARTER-BONFIELD Arrested

(ORILLIA, ON) – Members of the Orillia Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) seized a large quantity of suspected Fentanyl, Methamphetamine, Cocaine, and other drug paraphernalia as a result of an investigation that started as an Unwanted Person call.

On December 10, 2025, just before 2:00 pm, officers from the Orillia OPP attended an address on West Street South for a call for service. One party was arrested and a large quantity of suspected Controlled Drugs and Substances were located. The accused was transported back to the Orillia OPP Detachment. Members from the Orillia Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU) assisted with the investigation.

As a result, Braidan CARTER-BONFIELD (30) of Orillia, is facing the following charges:

–      Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking – Opioid (CDSA),

–      Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking – Methamphetamine (CDSA), and

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

The accused was held in custody to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Orillia on today’s date.

Approximately 8 grams of suspected fentanyl, over 110 grams of suspected methamphetamine, and approximately 8 grams of suspected cocaine were seized as a result of the investigation.

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. 

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OPP Police Press Releases Sandy Lake First Nation Sioux Lookout

Infant Murdered – 26 Year Old Arrested

(SIOUX LOOKOUT, ON) – Members of the Sioux Lookout Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have laid charges in relation to an infant death investigation.

On Friday, May 9, 2025, just before 8:00 a.m. CDT, Sioux Lookout OPP officers responded to a call on Sturgeon River Road regarding an unresponsive five-month-old. The infant was transported to hospital by emergency medical services and later pronounced deceased.

A thorough investigation was conducted by the Sioux Lookout OPP Crime Unit under the direction of the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch, in conjunction with the Office of the Chief Coroner and Ontario Forensic Pathology Service. Assistance was also provided by the OPP North West Region Support Team, Nishnawbe Aski Police Service, OPP Forensic Identification Services and OPP Forensic Interview Team.

As a result of the investigation, Shoshonee BEARDY, 26 years old from Sandy Lake First Nation, has been arrested and charged with the following Criminal Code offences:

  • Second degree murder, section 235 (1)
  • Fail to provide the necessaries of life, section 215 (2)(a)

The accused remains in custody and is scheduled to appear virtually before the Ontario Court of Justice in Dryden on Thursday, December 11, 2025.

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Dufferin Dundalk OPP Orangeville Police Press Releases SHELBURNE

5 More Impaired Drivers Arrested – OMILEYE, BOATENG, PERSAUD, FAIRHALL & COHEN

(DUFFERIN COUNTY) – Members of the Dufferin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have charged five local residents with impaired-operation-related offences over the past six days. The OPP is reminding the public that this is unacceptable driving behaviour and poses serious risks to everyone on the road.

On December 6, 2025, just before 2:15 p.m., Dufferin OPP officers received a complaint regarding a suspicious vehicle in the area of Princess Street in the Town of Orangeville. Officers were able to locate the vehicle, conduct a traffic stop, and subsequently initiate an impaired driving investigation.

Sijuade OMILEYE, a 29-year-old male from Orangeville, has been charged with:

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

• Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs

On December 7, 2025, just before 1:00 a.m., Dufferin OPP officers were conducting traffic enforcement in the area of Mono-Amaranth Townline and 30 Sideroad in the Town of Mono. Officers conducted a traffic stop and subsequently initiated an impaired driving investigation.

Maxwell BOATENG, a 42-year-old male from Shelburne, has been charged with:

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

On December 7, 2025, just before 2:00 a.m., Dufferin OPP officers were dispatched to a single-vehicle collision near Highway 10 and County Road 10 in the Town of Mono, where the vehicle had ended up in a ditch and the driver was found asleep behind the wheel. Officers subsequently launched an impaired driving investigation.

Umadat PERSAUD, a 34-year-old male from Dundalk, has been charged with:

• Failure or refusal to comply with demand

• Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs

• Use plate not authorized for vehicle

• Possess more than one licence

• Use plate not in accordance with regulations

• Obstruct peace officer

• Fail to surrender insurance card

• Fail to surrender permit for motor vehicle

• Careless driving

On December 8, 2025, just before 6:15 p.m., Dufferin OPP officers were dispatched to a two-vehicle collision at 2nd Line Southwest and the 280 Sideroad in the Township of Melancthon. Upon arrival, officers observed three vehicles in the ditch. After speaking with the drivers, officers launched an impaired driving investigation.

Joshua FAIRHALL, a 42-year-old male from Shelburne, has been charged with:

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

• Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs

On December 11, 2025, just before 11:30 a.m., Dufferin OPP officers were dispatched to a single-motor-vehicle collision in which a vehicle had collided with a snowbank in the area of Jane Street and Owen Sound Street in the Town of Shelburne. Upon arrival and after speaking with the driver, officers launched an impaired driving investigation.

Nash COHEN, a 55-year-old male from Shelburne, has been charged with:

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

• Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs

The accused individual is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Orangeville. Their driver’s licence was suspended 90 days, and their vehicle impounded for 7 days.

The Dufferin OPP reminds motorists to plan ahead when consuming alcohol or drugs. Use a designated driver, cab, rideshare, public transit or stay overnight. Any amount of alcohol or drugs can impact your ability to make sound judgements. In a split second you could ruin your future, injure or kill others, and tear a hole in the heart of everyone who loves you.

Members of the Dufferin OPP are committed to public safety, delivering proactive and innovative policing in partnership with our communities. Officers value your contribution to building safe communities. If you suspect someone is driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol call 9-1-1. If you have information about suspected unlawful activity, please contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers to remain anonymous at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or www.crimestopperssdm.com.

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EAST ZORRA - TAVISTOCK Fort Erie OPP Police Press Releases

Denis Postol – Drunk Driving

(EAST-ZORRA TAVISTOCK, ON) – An individual from Fort Erie is facing an impaired charge following a traffic complaint.

On December 9, 2025, at approximately 5:30 p.m., the Oxford Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Detachment were dispatched to a report of a possible impaired driver, on 16th Line, in the Township of East-Zorra Tavistock. It was reported that a vehicle was in the ditch and was being attended to by a tow truck operator. Officers attended and subsequently located the vehicle.

Denis Postol, 36-years-old, of Fort Erie, has been charged with:

·      Operation While Impaired – Blood Alcohol Concentration (80 Plus)

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

The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Woodstock on January 20, 2026.

The OPP is committed to safety for all who utilize Ontario’s roadways. Members of the public are urged to report Impaired Driving by calling 911 in emergency situations. Complaints of impaired, aggressive, or careless driving can also be made by calling 1-888-310-1122.

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Area OPP OPP Police Press Releases Wellington

2 Cyclists Dead – Police Issue Warning

(WELLINGTON COUNTY, ON) – The Wellington Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is urging all road users to make safety a priority following a concerning series of motor vehicle collisions (MVCs) involving cyclists.

On December 7 and December 9, 2025, the Wellington OPP responded to two separate motor vehicle collisions involving cyclists, both resulting in fatalities of the cyclists.

With winter conditions intensifying, the Wellington OPP strongly advises against cycling on roadways, emphasizing that icy surfaces, reduced visibility, and unpredictable traffic patterns significantly increase the risk of serious collisions.

If you do have to head out onto the roadways this winter, stay visible by wearing reflective clothing and outfit your bike with studded winter tires, so you can better take on the snow, slush and ice. Also, you must equipe your bicycle with lights and reflectors if you are riding at night, in limited daylight and low-visibility weather.

Cycling and the Law

Bicycles are vehicles under the Ontario Highway Traffic Act (HTA). This means that cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities to obey all traffic laws as motorists.

Equipment Required by Law

  • Lights and reflectors: a while light mounted on the front of your bike and a red light or reflector mounted on the back, if you ride between 1/2 hour before sunset and 1/2 hour after sunrise.
  • White reflective tape on the front forks, red reflective tape on the rear forks.
  • A bell or horn.
  • Helmets are required for cyclists under the age of 18 and are strongly recommended for those over the age of 18.

The Wellington OPP encourages all cyclists to:

  • Look ahead at the forecast – if a winter storm is on the way, it’s safest to stay home.
  • Always ride sober.
  • Ride without distractions – don’t text, talk on the phone or use headphones while cycling.
  • Obey road signs and signal all turns.

For more information on the rules of use for bicycles, please visit: Cycling skills: Ontario’s guide to safe cycling | ontario.ca

Stay alert, stay visible, stay safe.

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OPP Police Press Releases Tay

Shaun RAMLER – Drunk Driving

(TAY TOWNSHIP, ON) On the evening of September 28, 2025, officers from the Southern Georgian Bay Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) commenced an investigation into a serious two-vehicle collision involving an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) in the village of Waubaushene.

Emergency services responded to a 911 call reporting a collision on Cherry Street, between Elm Street and Thiffault Street. Preliminary investigation indicates that an ATV, operated by a lone male driver, struck the rear of a parked vehicle.

The ATV operator was transported to a local hospital and later transferred to a trauma centre in Toronto.

Following an extensive investigation, the ATV operator, Shaun RAMLER, 31 years of Tay Township, has been arrested and faces several charges under the Highway Traffic Act, as well as the following Criminal Code offences:

  • Operation While Impaired
  • Operation Over 80 Milligrams
  • Dangerous Operation of a Conveyance

The accused has been released and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on January 8, 2026.

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ADJALA-TOSORONTIO OPP Police Press Releases

Drug Bust – Jahovah MCFARLANE Arrested

(ADJALA-TOSORONTIO, ON) – As part of an ongoing investigation, members of the Nottawasaga Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU), assisted by officers from Dufferin CSCU, Caledon CSCU, Nottawasaga platoon officers, the Crime Reduction Unit (CRU), as well as the Tactical Response Unit (TRU) and Canine Unit, executed a search warrant at a residence on Bayberry Drive in Adjala-Tosorontio.

The investigation began in the fall of 2025 after the accused was suspected of trafficking-controlled substances in the Simcoe and New Tecumseth areas.

On December 10, 2025, at approximately 5:00 a.m., officers executed a Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) search warrant at the address. As a result of the investigation, officers seized the following items:

  • Two cellular phones
  • Money counter
  • Four scales
  • $6,146 in cash
  • Two Visa debit cards not in the accused’s name
  • Officers located and seized packaging that contained residual amounts of suspected cocaine.

As a result, Jahovah MCFARLANE, 26-years-old of Adjala-Tosorontio Township, was arrested and charged with the following:

  • Possession of Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking
  • Traffick in Schedule I Substance – Cocaine
  • Possession of Proceeds Obtained by Crime Over $5,000

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on January 22, 2026.

Anyone with information related to drug or property crime investigations is asked to contact the Nottawasaga OPP at 1-888-310-1122, or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or 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.

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Corbyville OPP Police Press Releases Selwyn

Branden TEBWORTH Was Arrested

(SELWYN TOWNSHIP, ON) – Officers from the Peterborough County detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have charged an individual with impaired driving after responding to a call for a vehicle in the ditch.

On Wednesday December 10, 2025, just prior to 6:00pm, Peterborough County OPP officers received a call for service regarding a single vehicle that had left the roadway and gone into the ditch on Yankee Line in Selwyn Township. 

Officers arrived on scene where efforts were being made to remove the vehicle from the ditch. Officers spoke with the driver and determined them to be impaired. The driver was arrested and transported to the Peterborough County OPP detachment for further tests.

Branden TEBWORTH (age 37) of Corbyville, ON., was arrested and charged with;

• Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs

• Failure or refusal to comply with demand

• Driving motor vehicle with open container of liquor

• Driving while under suspension

The accused is scheduled to appear on January 20, 2026, before the Ontario Court of Justice on January in Peterborough.

The accused had their driver’s licence further suspended for 90-days, and their vehicle impounded for seven days.

The Peterborough County OPP reminds motorists to plan ahead when consuming alcohol or drugs. Use a designated driver, cab, public transit, or stay overnight. Any amount of alcohol or drugs can impact your ability to make sound judgements.

To serve our province by protecting its citizens, upholding the law and preserving public safety.

Peterborough County OPP values your contribution to building safe communities. If you have information about suspected unlawful activity, please visit Crime Stoppers at: stopcrimehere.ca or call 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

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Erin OPP Police Press Releases

Brianna Buchan Arrested Following Collision

(TOWN OF ERIN, ON) – A driver faces impaired driving charges following a collision in Erin.

On December 10, 2025, at approximately 9:30 p.m., members of the Wellington County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to the report of a two-vehicle collision on Trafalgar Road in Erin. Neither driver sustained injuries.

As a result of the investigation, Brianna Buchan, a 25-year-old from Erin, is charged under the Criminal Code with:

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

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Guelph on December 23, 2025.

A 30-day Administrative Driver’s License Suspension (ADLS) and a seven-day vehicle impoundment was initiated as per statute.

The OPP is committed to safety for all who utilize Ontario’s roadways. 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 or alcohol, please call 911 immediately.

Should you wish to be anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers Guelph Wellington at www.csgw.tips or toll free at 1-800-222-TIPS or 8477. If your information leads to an arrest, you may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $2,000.

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Georgian Bay Midland OPP Police Press Releases Tiny

3 More Impaired Drivers: MACPHAIL, RAND & POWLESS

(TINY TOWNSHIP, GEORGIAN BAY TOWNSHIP, MIDLAND, ON) – Officers from the Southern Georgian Bay Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police were kept busy last Saturday with impaired driving investigations, which led to three drivers facing several charges.

On December 6, 2025, at about 6:00 a.m., officers along with the Tiny Township Fire Department responded to a crash alert from a cellular phone on Rue Lafontaine East in Tiny Township. A vehicle was located in the ditch with the airbags deployed, and officers located a person in the back seat of the car. The individual told officers that another person was driving the car when it left the roadway; however, officers determined that the person in the back seat was the one who had been driving at the time of the collision. Officers had grounds to believe the driver had been drinking alcohol and administered a roadside screening test. The driver was arrested based on the results; however, they refused to provide further samples.

As a result of this investigation, Derek MACPHAIL, 22 years of Tiny Township, faces the following charges contrary to the Criminal Code:

  • Operation While Impaired
  • Failure or Refusal to Comply with Breath Demand

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Later that morning, at about 9:30 a.m., several citizens called police to report a red pickup truck being driven in an erratic manner, travelling northbound on Highway 400 in Georgian Bay Township. Witnesses observed the truck cross into the southbound lanes and get stuck on the shoulder. The driver freed the truck and, at one point, was travelling northbound in the southbound lanes of the highway. Officers were unable to find the truck at the time of the call; however, it was located at about 11:30 a.m. on South Bay Rd., near Highway 400, with someone sleeping in the back seat. Officers attended with paramedics to speak with the individual, who was displaying signs of alcohol impairment. They were arrested but refused to provide a breath sample.

As a result of this investigation, Riley RAND, 26 years of Parry Sound, faces the following charges contrary to the Criminal Code:

  • Operation While Impaired
  • Failure or Refusal to Comply with Breath Demand

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On December 6, 2025, at about 9:00 p.m., officers were stopped at the side of the road, preparing to commence a RIDE spot check on Harbourview Drive in the Town of Midland. A vehicle pulled over, and the driver rolled down the window to ask for directions. Upon speaking with the driver, the officer had concerns that they were under the influence of alcohol. A roadside test was administered, and a “Fail” was registered. The driver was arrested and transported to detachment to provide further breath samples.

As a result of this investigation, Edward POWLESS, 47 years of McDougall, faces the following charges contrary to the Criminal Code:

  • Operation While Impaired
  • Operation While Over 80 Milligrams

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The accused parties from the above occurrences were released from custody and are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Midland at a later date. Upon being charged with impaired driving, the accused’s driver’s licence was suspended for 90 days, and the vehicle was impounded for seven days.

The OPP reminds motorists to plan ahead and use a designated driver, cab, public transit, or stay overnight. Any amount of alcohol or drugs can impair your ability to make sound decisions. To report suspected impaired drivers, call 911 or the OPP at 1-888-310-1122.

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Hagersville Haldimand OPP Police Press Releases

Jerald KING Was Arrested Again

(HALDIMAND COUNTY) – An individual has been charged following an investigation on Ojibway Road, Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation.

On December 8, 2025, at approximately 12:30 p.m., the Haldimand detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received a report of a mischief at a residence at that location.

Jerald KING, 29-years-old of Hagersville has been charged with the following offences:

·        Mischief Under $5000

·        Fail to comply with Probation Order

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Cayuga on January 20, 2026.

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Marmora and Lake Northumerland OPP Police Press Releases

Stolen Vehicle Recovered – Tyson GORDON & Michelle HUGHEY

(NORTHUMBERLAND, ON) – Members of the Northumberland Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have charged two individuals after recovering a stolen vehicle.

On December 9, 2025, at around 11:00 p.m., police received a report that a pick-up truck had been stolen from an address in the Township of North Frontenac. It was believed the vehicle was heading toward the Municipality of Trent Hills.

In the early hours of December 10, officers on patrol observed a vehicle matching the description in a ditch on 11th Line in Trent Hills. A passenger had walked away from the vehicle before being arrested by police. The driver fled toward a nearby wooded area and was later located and taken into custody.

Tyson GORDON (36) from the Municipality of Marmora and Lake, has been charged with:

–      Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000

–      Flight from peace officer

–      Dangerous operation

–      Fail to comply with probation order

–      Operation while prohibited under the Criminal Code – two counts

–      Driving while under suspension

The accused was held for bail to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Cobourg.

Michelle HUGHEY (42) from the Municipality of Trent Hills, has been charged with:

–      Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000

The accused is due to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Cobourg in January 2026.

If you have any information regarding a criminal offence please contact the OPP or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or you can submit your information online at stopcrimehere.ca. 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.

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OPP Picton Police Press Releases

Peter NORTON Was Arrested

(PICTON, ON) – The Prince Edward County Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) partnered with Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) officers during an investigation that led to multiple firearm-related charges.

On Sunday, December 7, 2025, shortly after 6:00 p.m., MNR officers discovered a vehicle in an area where hunting activity had been observed. A query of the licence plate revealed the registered owner was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition. Officers believed the individual was actively hunting and possibly in possession of a firearm, contrary to those conditions.

OPP and MNR officers subsequently located the individual in a hunting blind in possession of a loaded firearm.

As a result of the investigation, Peter NORTON, age 57 of Picton, was charged with:

  • Possession of firearm or ammunition contrary to prohibition order
  • Unauthorized possession of firearm
  • Knowledge of unauthorized possession of firearm

The accused remains in custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Belleville for a bail hearing.

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Area OPP OPP Police Press Releases Wingham

Paul Heffer Humiliated In Front Of Staff – Taxpayers “Below the law” #CamerasUp

(Wingham, North Huron) At a public council meeting, North Huron Reeve Paul Heffer repeatedly refused to answer a direct question on whether municipal bylaw enforcement officers are permitted to enforce bylaws on municipal property — including sidewalks, parks, and memorial lands. The question arose after repeated complaints that Public Works continues to dump snow onto sidewalks, despite a property standards bylaw explicitly prohibiting such obstructions.

The exchange is notable not for what was said, but for what was avoided. Despite being asked multiple times (10x) for a yes-or-no answer, the Reeve did not confirm or deny enforcement authority. Instead, the response was deflected to service levels and meeting procedure, with a Public Works director intervening and the discussion shut down as council business commenced.

Under Ontario’s Municipal Act, municipal bylaws are enforceable by the municipality’s officers, and municipalities are generally not exempt from compliance with their own bylaws. The refusal to clarify this basic point raises concerns about selective enforcement, internal directives limiting enforcement against municipal operations, and potential safety implications — particularly where snow obstructions force schoolchildren into live traffic.

The exchange places council on record as being aware of the alleged violations and safety risks, while declining to affirm enforcement authority.

The issue is expected to surface again at North Huron’s next council meeting on Monday, December 15, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. at Council Chambers.

Residents are encouraged to arrive early. The informal period before the meeting begins has increasingly become a venue where members of the public ask direct questions of council and senior staff — particularly when clarity has not been provided through official channels.

With winter conditions ongoing and sidewalk access continuing to be a concern, residents say they want clear answers on whether municipal bylaws apply equally to the municipality itself — and who is accountable when they are not enforced.