Taxi operators in Stratford are proposing a series of rate increases to help cover the rising costs of fuel, insurance and other associated expenses.
If approved by the Stratford Police Services Board, the fares would increase as follows:
Trips within the city with one or two passengers: $14 (currently $13.00)
Trips within the city with three or more passengers $15 (currently $14.00)
Trips for seniors: $13.00 (currently $12.00)
If you would like to provide a comment on the proposed increases, please email the Police Services Board by August 11, 2023 or call 519-271-4147 extension 8275.
(Goderich, On) 15April2024 a crushing blow to journalism, free speech and Charter Rights was dealt by Justice MacDonald. By banning reporters, victims, lawyers, or police to video record any portion of the court proceedings for accuracy or for their protection, MacDonald has essentially instituted an illegal media ban.
The chilling effect on democracy that would result from such a restriction could be significant. Without the ability to record and document court proceedings through video or audio, the public’s access to important information about the legal system would be limited. This lack of transparency could lead to a decrease in public trust and confidence in the judiciary, as citizens would have to rely solely on written accounts or summaries of court cases, which may be incomplete or biased.
Furthermore, journalists and media organizations may be hesitant to report on court proceedings for fear of being held liable for any inaccuracies in their reporting. This could lead to self-censorship and a reduction in the amount of information available to the public about the legal system and the administration of justice. In this way, the restriction on recording court proceedings could hinder the media’s ability to serve as a watchdog and hold the judiciary accountable for its actions.
Overall, the restriction on video and audio recording of court proceedings could have a chilling effect on democracy by limiting transparency, impeding the public’s access to information, and hindering the media’s ability to fulfill its watchdog role.
(BROCKTON, ON) – On April 18, 2024, at 7:11 a.m., the South Bruce Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received a report of a two vehicle collision on Highway 9 near Bruce Road 3 in Brockton.
One of the involved drivers displayed signs of impairment. Officers believed that the driver was impaired by drug; they were subsequently placed under arrest.
Cheyenne FORTUNE, 31-years-old, from the Municipality of Brockton was charged with:
Failure or refusal to comply with demand
The South Bruce OPP is requesting anyone with information to call 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit a secure web-tip at www.cstip.ca, where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2000.
(NORTH PERTH) – Perth County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has charged an individual after a fail to remain collision on Line 87 in the Municipality of North Perth.
On April 14th, 2024, just before 4:30 p.m., police responded to a single vehicle collision on Line 87 east of Road 175. It was reported that a pickup truck left the roadway, and the driver was observed leaving the area.
Justin SAGE, a 33-year-old resident of Listowel has been charged with:
-Dangerous operation
-Fail to remain
The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Stratford on May 13th, 2024.
Anyone who was in the area at the time of this collision and witnessed the pickup truck is asked to call the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or online at www.opp.ca/reporting. Should you wish to remain anonymous you can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or leave an anonymous online message at www.P3tips.com where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.
(NORFOLK COUNTY, ON) – An individual has been charged following an investigation into an assault involving the brandishing of an edged weapon.
At approximately 1:05 p.m. on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Norfolk County Detachment investigated an assault on Evergreen Hill Road in Simcoe, Norfolk County.
It was determined that four individuals were involved in a dispute on public property, during which one of them brandished an edged weapon. No injuries were reported.
As a result, one individual was taken into custody without incident.
Charged with the following alleged offence is 20-year-old Donato D’AGOSTINO of Norfolk County:
Assault with a weapon.
The accused is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice located in Simcoe on Tuesday, May 21, 2024.
(KINCARDINE, ON) – On March 3, 2024, at 9:53 p.m., the South Bruce Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received a report of a male brandishing a handgun outside of a business along Queen Street in Kincardine.
On April 16, 2024, the South Bruce OPP Major Crimes Unit assisted by the West Region Tactics and Rescue Unit (WR TRU) and the West Region Emergency Response Team (WR ERT) executed a search warrant at a residence in South Bruce.
As a result of the executed search warrant, police seized three imitation firearms and ammunition.
The OPP has charged Gerry SIMOES, 42-years-old, of the Municipality of South Bruce with:
Assault with a Weapon
Imitation Firearm – Use while committing offence
Possession of an imitation firearm weapon for a dangerous purpose
The accused was held for a bail hearing and was subsequently remanded into custody.
The South Bruce OPP is requesting anyone with information to call 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit a secure web-tip at www.cstip.ca, where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2000.
(PAISLEY, ON) – On April 18, 2024, at 2:31 a.m., officers with the South Bruce Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) stopped to check a vehicle along Queen Street North in Paisley.
Three occupants were identified by officers where one was found to be in contravention of their release conditions, another was subject to an active warrant. A search incident to arrest led to the seizure of a large quantity of illicit drugs.
As a result of the investigation, the South Bruce OPP have charged:
William DOWLING, 59-years-old, from the Municipality of Saugeen Shores with:
Poss. of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking (3 counts)
Poss. of a Schedule I substance
Brendan FLEMING, 39-years-old, from the Municipality of Kincardine with:
Poss. of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking (3 counts)
Failure to comply with release order
Poss. of a Schedule I substance
Joanna RITCHIE, 29-years-old, from Saugeen First Nation with:
Poss. of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking (3 counts)
Poss. of a Schedule I substance
The estimated street value of the seized drugs is approximately $36,600.00 – The accused parties were held for a bail hearing in Walkerton.
The South Bruce OPP is requesting anyone with information to call 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit a secure web-tip at www.cstip.ca, where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2000.
Below is what an advanced hybrid AI:HI has predicted based on current Canadian headlines. Read or listen for yourself to determine how accurate this prediction is.
In the quaint town of Wingham, Canada, a series of alarming events began to unfold, signaling the gradual descent into a dystopian reality. It all started when the military announced surprise wellness checks for residences, claiming it was for the safety and well-being of the citizens. However, the sudden intrusion into people’s homes without consent sparked fear and paranoia among the residents.
As tensions simmered, the by-law enforcement in Wingham took increasingly drastic measures to assert their authority. Violating private property rights became a common occurrence, with officers barging into homes and businesses without proper justification. They even went as far as claiming they had more power than the local police force, instilling a sense of unease and mistrust in the community.
To enforce their control over private property, the by-law enforcement agency started hiring additional staff, intensifying their presence and surveillance in the town. Reports emerged of officers illegally surveilling citizens and conducting searches without warrants, trampling on individual rights and liberties with impunity.
The situation escalated further when the Wingham Town Hall enacted draconian measures to silence dissent and control the narrative. They banned questions at council meetings, effectively stifling freedom of speech and transparency in governance. Those who dared to challenge the authorities by filming public meetings were arrested on suspicions of disrupting the peace, creating an atmosphere of fear and censorship.
The local police force, once seen as protectors of the community, took a dark turn as they began advocating for extreme measures. They openly endorsed the killing of criminals who broke into homes, justifying it as self-defense if one’s life was under threat. Pushing the boundaries of the law, they also advocated for trespassing and violating legal norms in the name of maintaining order and security.
As the town descended further into a surveillance state, Wingham announced the installation of security cameras on every pole and in parking lots. The constant monitoring of citizens’ movements and activities raised concerns about privacy and individual autonomy, with Big Brother seemingly watching their every move.
To cement their control and silence dissent, the judges, councillors, and police in Wingham made it clear that anyone recording them in the performance of their duties would face arrest. Meanwhile, they continued to record citizens without their consent, creating a double standard in transparency and accountability.
Amidst the growing sense of oppression and authoritarianism, whispers of rebellion began to surface among the populace. The once peaceful town of Wingham was now a powder keg of dissent and resistance, as the residents contemplated the unthinkable – armed rebellion against the oppressive forces that sought to control their lives.
The story of Wingham, Canada, served as a cautionary tale of how a once thriving community could spiral into dystopia, where freedom and liberty were sacrificed at the altar of power and control. The residents stood at a crossroads, faced with the choice of submission or defiance, as the specter of authoritarianism loomed large over their once idyllic town.
(Oro-Medonte, ON) – Officers from the Orillia Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) recovered a large construction implement from a property in Oro-Medonte.
On April 11, 2024, members of the Orillia Detachment with the assistance of the Orillia Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU) executed a Search Warrant at a commercial property on highway 11. Police recovered an industrial grade tamper valued at over $18000.00. Police also seized nine other pieces of equipment and are investigating their origin.
As a result of the investigation the following individuals have been charged:
Robert LENZ (43), of Oro-Medonte:
· Escape Lawful Custody
· Resist Peace Officer
· Obstruct Police Officer
· Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000
The accused was held pending a bail hearing on April 12, 2024 at the Ontario Court of Justice in Barrie.
Stephen LENZ (41), of Oro-Medonte:
· Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000
The accused was released on an Undertaking to appear on May 14, 2024, before the Ontario Court of Justice in Orillia
On April 16th, 2024, at approximately 11:30 p.m. the Hanover Police Service responded to a report of a suspected impaired driver on 10th Street in the Town of Hanover. Officers on patrol located the vehicle in a drive thru of a restaurant and initiated a traffic stop.
The driver, a 24-year-old Hanover man refused to provide a sample of his breath for analysis, resisted arrest and struck an officer in the face while attempting to flee the scene on foot. The suspect was apprehended after a brief foot chase.
Officers seized a small quantity of methamphetamine along with open alcohol from the vehicle. Further investigation determined the suspect was prohibited from driving under the Criminal Code for a previous impaired driving conviction in 2022 and suspended from driving under the Highway Traffic Act.
The suspect was lodged in police cells and later released when he sobered, facing the following charges.
Possession of a Schedule 1 Substance – Methamphetamine
Fail or Refusal to Comply with Demand
Resist Peace Officer
Operation while Prohibited x 2
Obstruct Peace Officer
Assault with Intent to Resist Arrest
Fail to Surrender Insurance Card
Drive Motor Vehicle, Fail to Display Two Plates
Having Care or Control of a Motor Vehicle – Open Liquor
On April 6th, 2024, at 8:37 a.m. members from the Hanover Police Service responded to a report of two people sleeping in a vehicle parked at an apartment complex in the 100 block of 11th Avenue in Hanover.
While on scene, officers recognized the suspects as having committed a theft in Hanover from a previous incident on April 5th. When officers attempted to arrest the pair, they violently resisted, and the male suspect jumped into the driver’s seat with the female suspect. Together, the suspects started the vehicle and drove into the side of the apartment building while partially dragging an officer who was in the passenger seat with them trying to effect their arrest.
The violent struggle continued after crashing into the apartment building, with the male suspect escaping custody and fleeing on foot. An officer gave chase and captured the suspect who continued to fight and resist. He was eventually subdued after officers deployed their tasers. The female suspect who also resisted arrest, was taken into custody.
The investigation determined the vehicle was stolen from South Bruce O.P.P. Detachment area and both suspects were determined to be wanted in several policing jurisdictions.
The Hanover Police Service has jointly charged, a 39-year-old male of no fixed address and a 23-year-old female of no fixed address with the following criminal and drug offences:
Theft Under $5000
Dangerous Operation of a Conveyance
Flight from a Peace Officer
Assault with Intent to Resist Arrest
Assault with a Weapon
Resist Arrest of a Peace Officer
Possession of Stolen Property Over $5000
Possession of Methamphetamine for the Purposes of Trafficking
Possession of Fentanyl for the Purposes of Trafficking
Possession of Methamphetamine
The male suspect faces additional charges of Failure to Comply with Release Order x 3 and Failure to Comply with an Undertaking. The female suspect faces additional charges of Operation of a Conveyance while Prohibited and Failure to Comply with Release Order x 2.
Police determined the male suspect is currently wanted on 27 criminal and drug charges in 4 policing jurisdictions in Ontario and the female suspect is currently wanted on 10 criminal charges in 2 policing jurisdictions in Ontario.
One Hanover officer received minor injuries while both suspects also sustained minor injuries that required treatment at the Hanover and District Hospital.
The exterior wall of the apartment building and the stolen vehicle both received minor damages.
The suspects were held and later remanded into custody at their bail hearings.
This incident is an example of the transient nature of people who move from one jurisdiction to the next committing crimes along the way that often results in unpredictable, volatile and dangerous situations for the police officers that encounter them.
On Monday, March 25th, 2024, members of the Hanover Police attended a business in the 1000 block of 10th Street regarding a theft.
On arrival police spoke with the 48-year-old female suspect. The female was arrested, and several items of stolen property were located on her person. The female was also breaching a previous court order at the time of arrest.
Hanover Police have charged the female under the Criminal Code with Theft, Failure to Comply with Probation and Failure to Comply with an Undertaking. She was released with an upcoming court date in Walkerton.
During the early morning hours of Friday, March 22nd, 2024, Hanover Police while investigating a separate matter observed a known 52-year-old Hanover man in the passenger seat of a vehicle.
The man was found to be violating the terms of a previous release order which listed a curfew condition. The man was arrested and charged under the Criminal Code with Failure to Comply. He was released with an upcoming court date in Walkerton.
On Sunday, March 31st, 2024, Hanover Police responded to a disturbance in the 200 block of 7th Avenue.
On arrival police spoke with a 37-year-old female and 39-year-old male. Investigation revealed both were on court ordered conditions not to communicate regarding previous criminal offences.
Hanover Police arrested both charging them under the Criminal Code with breaching those conditions. They were later released with an upcoming court date in Walkerton.
On Monday, April 1st, 2024, members of the Hanover Police responded to a break and enter in progress. On arrival police observed a 36-year-old Hanover man attempting to leave the area The man was taken into custody without incident. Hanover Police have charged the man under the Criminal Code with Break and Enter. He was released from custody with an upcoming court date in Walkerton.