in ,

705 Announcements – September 12th

Huntsville OPP Looking To Speak To Good Samaritan Boater

Huntsville Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are looking to speak to a boater who assisted in rescuing two persons from the water after their canoe capsized.

On September 9th, 2023, at approximately 8:25 p.m., the Huntsville Detachment of the OPP received a call from two parties who had capsized their canoe and needed assistance. An unknown boater is believed to have rescued the two parties and returned them to shore on the river between Fairy Lake and Lake Vernon.

Huntsville OPP is asking that the unknown boater please contact investigators at 1(888) 310-1122.

Newmarket – Central York Fire Services (CYFS) invites Aurora and Newmarket residents to the annual Open House

Central York Fire Services (CYFS) invites Aurora and Newmarket residents to the annual Open House on Saturday, September 23 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Station 4-5 (300 Earl Stewart Drive, Aurora, ON). The annual Open House is an opportunity for the community to get to know their local fire department and learn more about simple but important actions everyone can take to prevent fires at home. The event is in recognition of Fire Prevention Week (October 8-14) which focuses on the importance of cooking safety this year.

Stop by for morning coffee and donuts, BBQ hot dogs, Tim Hortons Express Train, arts and crafts, prizes, games, “Sparky the Fire Dog”, interactive fire safety activities and much more! It’s an educational event the kids will love!

Background: For more than 20 years, Central York Fire Services has been providing fire protection, prevention and emergency services in Newmarket and Aurora. This year marks the one-year anniversary of the grand opening of Fire Station 4-5, the first jointly built fire station by the Town of Aurora and the Town of Newmarket, after the two consolidated their fire services in 2002. It also houses two fire crews, the administrative offices, and CYFS’ Training Division.

North Bay Police Service: 2023 CIBC Run for the Cure Fundraising Kick-Off

Members of the North Bay Police Service and area emergency services are helping to raise funds for CIBC’s Run for the Cure initiative, which helps raise awareness and funds for breast cancer.

The yearly fundraising challenge originally pitted the North Bay Police Service and North Bay Fire and Emergency Services against each other to raise funds for CIBC’s Run for the Cure. To raise the stakes and help bring in more money for a good cause, the services agreed that the leadership of the services that did not raise the most funds would have their nails painted pink.

The competition has grown over the years with additional area emergency services joining in year. In 2022, the North Bay Police Service, Nipissing District Paramedic Services, North Bay Fire and Emergency Services, Anishinabek Police Service – Nipissing Detachment, Ontario Provincial Police – North East Region, and the Ministry of Transportation’s Transportation Safety Division collectively raised more than $7,250. In 2021 teams raised more than $4,600.

This year’s participants include:

  • The North Bay Police Service
  • Nipissing District Paramedic Services
  • North Bay Fire and Emergency Services
  • North Bay Ontario Provincial Police and OPP Provincial Communications Centre – North Bay
  • The Ministry of Transportation’s Transportation Safety Division

A kick-off event will take place at North Bay Police Service headquarters, 135 Princess Street West, North Bay this Tuesday, September 12 at 10:00 a.m.

North Bay – North Bay Pride, A Celebration Of Diversity And Inclusion, Is Thrilled To Announce The Final Day Of Its Annual Festivities On Sunday, September 17, 2023.

As the culmination of a week-long celebration, North Bay Pride presents the “This Is Me” event, promising an evening of personal stories, laughter, tears, and inspiration.

The “This Is Me” event will take place at The Capitol Centre in North Bay, Ontario, starting at 7:00 PM. This special evening invites attendees to hear from five remarkable community members as they courageously share their journeys toward embracing their true authentic selves.

The event is inspired by “The Get Real Movement,” a powerful initiative aimed at fostering genuine connections and promoting acceptance and understanding within our communities.

Leading the event as the charismatic host will be Kimora Amour, known for their appearances on Canada’s Drag Race and Canada’s Amazing Race. Kimora Amour will also share their personal story, filled with humor, love, and acceptance, setting the stage for an unforgettable evening.

The five keynote speakers for the “This Is Me” event are individuals whose stories will touch your heart and remind you of the importance of unity and inclusivity in our hometown:

  1. Billie: A trans woman who relocated to North Bay, Billie found love, support, a welcoming employer, and a chosen family. Billie’s journey includes joining the Nipissing Women’s Roller Derby team, and she will share her incredible path to self-discovery and acceptance.
  2. Nick: Nick identifies as a two-spirited trans person and will share their journey of self-discovery, navigating relationships, and embracing their unique identity. Prepare to be inspired by Nick’s story of self-realization and self-love.
  3. Aiden: Aiden, a trans-hearing-impaired individual, embarked on their journey to authenticity without the support of their parents. Aiden’s story highlights the resilience and strength it takes to be true to oneself, no matter the obstacles faced.
  4. Seth: As a trans man, Seth founded OutLoud North Bay, a safe space for youth to be their authentic selves. This endeavor not only created a haven for local youth but also propelled Seth on his continued journey toward self-discovery and acceptance.
  5. Geri Atrick: Geri Atrick, the first drag queen to moderate political debates, will share their remarkable journey of becoming the iconic figure they are today. Geri’s story is one of empowerment, self-expression, and breaking barriers.

The “This Is Me” event promises to be an evening of connection, compassion, and inspiration. It serves as a reminder that, while we’ve come a long way in the journey towards equity and inclusion, there is still work to be done right here in our own community.

The “This Is Me” event is free to attend at The Capitol Centre. Don’t miss this opportunity to be a part of a night that celebrates the diversity and strength of North Bay’s vibrant LGBTQ+ community. The event starts at 7 pm. Donations to North Bay Pride are welcome.

North Bay Pride Celebrates Love, Acceptance, and Unity on September 16, 2023

North Bay Pride Is Thrilled To Announce Its Annual Celebration Of Love, Acceptance, And Unity, Taking Place On Saturday, September 16, 2023

This year, we invite everyone to join us in taking back the streets from hate and sharing the powerful message that “hate has no home here.”

Event Details:

Date: Saturday, September 16, 2023

Time: 1:00 PM

Location: McIntyre Street, leading to the Kiwanis Band Shell at the waterfront

The day’s festivities will kick off at 1:00 PM with our vibrant pride march, featuring floats, signs, and music that carry a clear and resounding message: love triumphs over hate. We encourage all attendees to bring signs of encouragement, love, and hope as we collectively push hate back into the closet where it belongs.

Following the march, we invite you to stay around the waterfront until 4:30 PM to meet local vendors and artisans, fostering a sense of community and supporting local talent.

But that’s not all! Return at 7:30 PM for an unforgettable free concert featuring renowned Canadian Rock Icon Bif Naked, joined by the legendary Carole Pope and the talented Devon Cole. The evening’s festivities will be hosted by the hilarious trans comedian, Alice Rose.

Jason Maclennan, Communications Director for North Bay Pride, shared his thoughts on this year’s event, saying, “A lot of work has gone into the pride events this year. We have faced challenges, from no support from the provincial government to questions from some corporate sponsors about their participation. We’ve even been subjected to online attacks for simply promoting our events. But despite all this, we’re here, celebrating pride because visibility saves lives.”

Maclennan continued, “Visibility empowers individuals to be themselves in the face of hate and misinformation, whether online or in person. It reminds people that it’s okay to exist, even when others try to silence them. We are here, we’re not going away, and we won’t be silenced. Pride is about creating safer spaces, educating, and holding political leaders accountable for the well-being of our community even when they ignore our calls. Visibility saves lives, and we’re here to ensure everyone knows that.”

North Bay Pride stands as a symbol of love and acceptance, providing a safe space for everyone to hold hands without fear, stand up against hate and misinformation, and advocate for human rights. Together, we are changing the world to be a better place for all.

About North Bay Pride: North Bay Pride is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting diversity, inclusion, and acceptance for the 2SLGBTQ+ community and its allies in North Bay, Ontario, and the surrounding areas. Through various events and initiatives, North Bay Pride fosters a sense of belonging and celebrates the strength that comes from embracing one’s true self.

OPP Rainy River – Fall Time Brings Hungry Bears Around

With the cooler temperatures approaching, fall time is an important time to be aware of bears. There have been many sightings in the Rainy River district recently as the bears are starting to bulk up for winter. With bears preparing for winter hibernation, fall is when people need to be the most aware. Bears tend to find their way into residential areas this time of year in search of food.

Not every bear sighting is an emergency situation, here is who to call if you encounter a bear.

Non-Emergency Encounters – Call the toll-free Bear Wise reporting line at 1-866-514-2327 (TTY 705-945-7641) if a bear is:

Roaming around, checking garbage cans

Breaking into a shed where garbage or food is stored

In a tree

Pulling down a bird feeder or knocking over a barbecue

For Emergency Situations: Call 911 or your local police force if a bear poses an immediate threat to personal safety by exhibiting threatening or aggressive behavior, such as:

Entering a schoolyard when school is in session

Stalking people and lingering on-site

Entering or trying to enter a residence

Wandering into a public gathering

Killing livestock/pets and lingering on site.

The Rainy River District would also like to provide some safety tips:

Never feed or approach bears

Secure food, garbage, and recycling

Remove the bird feeder when bears are active

Never leave pet food outdoors

Clean and Store BBQ grills and smokers

Alert neighbors to bear activity

OPP Thunder Bay – Concerning Weekend On The Highways For Thunder Bay OPP

(THUNDER BAY, ON) – A concerning weekend for members of the Thunder Bay Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Detachment as three drivers were charged with impaired driving offenses stemming from three separate incidents.

On September 9, 2023, at approximately 2:30 a.m., members of the Shabaqua OPP Detachment received a call for service regarding a vehicle in the ditch on Highway 11 in Shebandown Township. Shabaqua OPP members attended and spoke to both the driver and the passenger of the motor vehicle. Both the driver and passenger were uninjured.

After speaking with the driver, it was determined that the driver was impaired by alcohol and was subsequently placed under arrest. The driver was then transported to the Thunder Bay OPP Detachment for further testing.

Through investigation, a 28-year-old man from Fort Frances is charged with:

  •        Operation While Impaired – Alcohol and Drugs
  •        Operation While Impaired – Blood Alcohol Concentration (80 Plus)

Furthermore, on September 10, at approximately 2:30 a.m., members of the Thunder Bay OPP Detachment received a call for service regarding an individual possibly driving while intoxicated. A second call for service was received shortly thereafter regarding the same subject motor vehicle in the ditch on Highway 590.

Thunder Bay OPP members responded and located the subject motor vehicle on Highway 590 in O’Connor Township. After speaking with the driver, it was determined that the driver of the vehicle was impaired by alcohol. The driver was subsequently placed under arrest and transported to a local area hospital by Emergency Medical Services (EMS) with minor injuries. The driver was then subject to subsequent testing.

Through investigation, a 23-year-old man from Kenora has been charged with:

  •        Operation While Impaired – Alcohol and Drugs
  •        Operation While Impaired – Blood Alcohol Concentration (80 Plus)

Furthermore, on September 11, 2023, at approximately 12:45 a.m., while on patrol, members of the Thunder Bay OPP Detachment observed a motor vehicle continuously crossing the fog and center lines. A traffic stop was initiated where police spoke to the driver of the motor vehicle.

After speaking with the driver, it was determined that they were impaired by alcohol and were subsequently arrested. The driver was brought back to the Thunder Bay OPP Detachment for further testing.

Through investigation, a 40-year-old man from Thunder Bay has been charged with:

  •        Operation While Impaired – Alcohol and Drugs
  •        Operation While Impaired – Blood Alcohol Concentration (80 Plus)

All accused received a 90-day administrative driver’s license suspension (ADLS) and a 7-day vehicle impoundment.

All accused were released from custody and are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Thunder Bay on later dates respectively.

The OPP remains committed to taking alcohol/drug-impaired drivers off our roads through enforcement and public education. If you suspect that someone is driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs, it is important to call 9-1-1 to report it.

Burk’s Falls Cruisers & The Pub Car Show

RVH Requiring Masking In Treatment Areas