DRIVER WHO COLLIDED WITH A HYDRO POLE CHARGED WITH IMPAIRED DRIVING

On January 17, 2021, at approximately 12:46 a.m., officers from the Caledon Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a single motor vehicle collision on Caledon East Garafraxa Town Line in the Town of Caledon.

The vehicle had extensive damage from colliding with a hydro pole. The driver was transported to hospital to be treated for minor injuries. 

The driver was arrested for Operation of a Motor Vehicle with Impaired, and later transported to the Caledon OPP Detachment where further breath tests were conducted. 

As a result of the police investigation, Jacob Boynton, 22, of Caledon, was arrested and charged with the following offences:

Operation while impaired - alcohol; and

Operation while impaired - blood alcohol concentration (B.A.C.) over 80 mg

The accused is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Orangeville on April 1, 2021 to answer to the charges. The charges have not been proven.

SNOWMOBILE SAFETY WEEK

Two fatal snowmobile incidents over the weekend have the OPP warning snowmobilers to stay off frozen waterways, while the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) urges them to stay off closed OFSC trails.

With Snowmobile Safety Week (January 16 - 24) now underway, the OPP is reporting that six people have lost their lives in snowmobile incidents so far this season. On Sunday, January 17, three people died in two separate incidents after their snowmobiles broke through the ice on Georgian Bay.

“These latest incidents are a tragic reminder of the serious risks associated with snowmobiling on frozen waterways,” said Chief Superintendent Rohan Thompson, Provincial Commander, Highway Safety Division. “Approximately 40 per cent of OPP-investigated fatal snowmobile incidents in the last 10 years have occurred on lakes and rivers.  Excessive speed, driving too fast for the conditions and alcohol/drugs are other top contributing factors in snowmobile deaths. Our data speaks loud and clear about the behaviours and unsafe riding conditions snowmobilers need to avoid to make it through the season safely.”

Added Lisa Stackhouse, Director, Marketing & Communications for the OFSC: “Our mild winter makes it particularly important for snowmobilers to regularly check the OFSC Interactive Trail Guide to get information about trail openings and closures. Snowmobilers are reminded that it is unlawful and unsafe to ride on closed OFSC trails and are encouraged to visit the OFSC website for other important information about what they need to do to enjoy a safe riding season.”

During the campaign and throughout the snowmobile season, OPP officers will be visible conducting enforcement throughout the province, focusing their attention on safety violations and impaired driving investigations. Snowmobilers are reminded that Mandatory Alcohol Screening authorizes officers to demand a breath test from snowmobile operators without requiring suspicion that they have consumed alcohol.

Snowmobile Safety Week supports the OPP's commitment to saving lives on Ontario highways, waterways and trails.

OPP SUPPORT EFFORTS TO STOP THE SPREAD

On January 14, at 12:01 a.m., the Government of Ontario issued a new Stay-at-Home Order under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (EMCPA).

The OPP supports all measures necessary to limit the spread of COVID-19 in our community and will continue to work with local public health, municipal and regional officials to ensure compliance.

The new Order, which is expected to remain in effect until February 22, 2021, but could be extended, requires individuals to remain in their place of residence at all times unless leaving for an essential purpose.

Details of this can be found on the Government of Ontario's website: news.ontario.ca/en/release/59922/ontario-declares-second-provincial-emergency-to-address-covid-19-crisis-and-save-lives

“We recognize that this is a stressful time, with many people feeling a sense of uncertainty and instability within our community. While provincial offences officers, including police officers, have enforcement rights under the new EMCPAw order, we will continue to focus on the 4 Es - Engage (with the individuals), Explain (why we are there), Educate (on the rules and regulations), and Enforce (as a last resort). Enforcement will be aimed at those individuals who overtly put others in danger in our community.

“In the majority of cases, when we receive a complaint or respond to a call where individuals are in violation, they have willingly complied after being educated. We thank those citizens who are doing their part.”

SUSPICIOUS VEHICLE FIRES IN TOTTENHAM

On Saturday, January 9, at 1:00 a.m., members of the Nottawasaga Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and New Tecumseth Fire responded to a vehicle fire in a rear parking lot near Mill Street and Queen Street South in Tottenham.

Upon arrival, emergency responders observed two working vehicle fires; a black Ford 150 pick-up truck and a black Dodge Ram pickup truck. Emergency crews then noticed a third vehicle, a red Toyota Rav 4, on fire as well. New Tecumseth Fire extinguished all the fires and there were not any injuries as a result.

Anyone with information regarding these fires, or with possible video footage, is asked to contact the Nottawasaga OPP at or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). When you contact Crime Stoppers you remain anonymous, you will never have to testify and you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.