HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-04-19
Electronic Council Communications Information
Package
Date:April 19, 2024
Time:12:00 PM
Location:ECCIP is an information package and not a meeting.
Description: An ECCIP is an electronic package containing correspondence received by Staff for
Council's information. This is not a meeting of Council or Committee.
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Pages
1.Region of Durham Correspondence
1.1 Durham Region’s Waste Management Facilities increasing user fees
effective May 1 - April 15, 2024
3
1.2 Residents are invited to take part in the Region’s Curbside Giveaway
Day on May 4 - April 17, 2024
5
1.3 Durham Regional Police Services Report on Community Policing - April
17, 2024
7
2.Durham Municipalities Correspondence
2.1 City of Oshawa - Notice of Public Meeting - April 16, 2024 39
2.2 Town of Ajax - Increasing the Number of Judges in Ontario and Canada -
April 17, 2024
43
3.Other Municipalities Correspondence
3.1 Municipality of St. Charles - Carbon Tax - March 20, 2024 45
3.2 Municipality of Wawa - Municipal Accessibility Fund - April 16, 2024 49
3.3 Municipality of St. Charles - Household Food Insecurity - March 20, 2024 51
3.4 City of Peterborough - Jurisdiction of Ontario's Ombudsman - April 11,
2024
55
3.5 Huron Shores - Urging the Government to Promptly Resume
Assessment Cycle - April 12, 2024
3.6 Municipality of West Perth - Conservation Authorities Act - April 16, 2024 57
3.7 Hastings County Motion - Sustainable Infrastructure Funding for Small
Rural Municipalities - April 17, 2024
66
4.Provincial / Federal Government and their Agency Correspondence
5.Miscellaneous Correspondence
April 19, 2024
Electronic Council Communications Information Package (ECCIP)
Page 2
From:Chambers, Michelle
To:Chambers, Michelle
Subject:Region of Durham News - Durham Region’s Waste Management Facilities increasing user fees effective May 1
Date:April 19, 2024 10:10:10 AM
Region of Durham News 4/15/2024 9:15:30 AM
Durham Region’s Waste Management Facilities
increasing user fees effective May 1
Whitby, Ontario – Effective May 1, 2024, the minimum user fee for general residential andcommercial garbage waste will increase from $5 per load to $7 per load for loads up to 40
kilograms (88 pounds). For every eight kilograms greater than 40 kilograms, the fee will
increase from $1 to $1.40. The flat rate for loads weighing 1,000 kilograms (metric tonne) or
more will increase from $125 to $175 per 1,000 kilograms. In addition, fees for fill materials
and mixed loads containing fill materials will increase from $250 to $375 per 1,000 kilograms.
This is the first increase in fees since 2016.
The fee increases were approved by Durham Regional Council as part of the 2024 budget,
and to help meet rising costs from contracted services while ensuring customer service
standards continue to be met. Only loads containing chargeable materials, (including mixed
loads containing both free and chargeable materials), will be subject to the fee increases.
Loads that only contain the following items are free:
bulky white polystyrene
electronic waste
household hazardous waste (a maximum of 50 litres or 25 cans per vehicle)
plastic signs
tires (a maximum of 10 tires per vehicle)
For more information about the Region’s Waste Management Facilities, including acceptable
materials, locations and hours of operation, please visit durham.ca/wmf.
– 30 –
For media inquiries, please contact Corporate Communications.
Page 3
Read this article on our website.
CONTACT US
605 Rossland Rd. EWhitby, Ontario L1N 6A3(905) 668-7711 | Region of Durham
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Page 4
From:ClerksExternalEmail
To:Chambers, Michelle
Subject:Residents are invited to take part in the Region’s Curbside Giveaway Day on May 4
Date:April 17, 2024 11:33:15 AM
Region of Durham News 4/17/2024 9:47:12 AM
Residents are invited to take part in the Region’s
Curbside Giveaway Day on May 4
Whitby, Ontario – Building on the success of last year’s event, the Curbside Giveaway Dayis back. Curbside Giveaway Day is an event organized in co-operation with the local areamunicipalities, where residents can place unwanted items in good condition—clearly markedas “Free”—on their curb for anyone to pick up. At the end of the Giveaway Day, residents
return unclaimed items to their home.
When: Saturday, May 4 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: Residents in Ajax, Brock, Clarington, Oshawa, Pickering, Scugog, Uxbridge and
Whitby are encouraged to take part by placing their unwanted items—that may still be useful
for others—at the curb on Curbside Giveaway Day.
How to participate:
Check out the full list of acceptable and unacceptable items.
Mark all your items “Free” that you wish to give away and place them at the curb on
Giveaway Day.
Please return unclaimed items into your home by 7 p.m., or:
Donate to charity.
Give to a local thrift shop.
Post them on a free classifieds website, such as Kijiji, Varage or Facebook
Marketplace.
Material left at the curb after the Curbside Giveaway Day will be subject to by-law
enforcement.
Page 5
Reminders:
Baby items such as car seats and cribs should not be placed at the curb for safety
reasons.
Remember to obey all traffic laws and to watch for children.
Do not block traffic, sidewalks or place items on the road.
Do not trespass on other people’s property, block other people’s driveway or park
illegally.
Please continue to follow safe and sanitary practices when participating in a giveaway:
Clean and disinfect items prior to the giveaway.
Clothing or other fabric items should be laundered prior to the giveaway. We also
recommend laundering any clothing you have acquired.
For additional guidance: Facts for Garage Sale Vendors - Canada.ca.
Why: Curbside Giveaway Day events are an opportunity to reduce the amount of garbage
going to disposal by giving away your unwanted items or by going on a treasure hunt to find
some new-to-you items. It’s a fun way to help the environment while connecting with your
community.
For more details, visit durham.ca/CurbsideGiveaway.
– 30 –
For media requests, please contact CorporateCommunications@durham.ca.
Read this article on our website.
CONTACT US
605 Rossland Rd. E
Whitby, Ontario L1N 6A3
(905) 668-7711 | Region of Durham
Unsubscribe Privacy Policy
Page 6
605 Rossland Road East, Box 911, Whitby, ON L1N 0B8
Phone: 905-579-1520, Ext. 4307 * Fax: 905-721-4249
Email: alongo@drps.ca
DDDUUURRRHHHAAAMMM RRREEEGGGIIIOOONNNAAALLL PPPOOOLLLIIICCCEEE SSSEEERRRVVVIIICCCEEE BBBOOOAAARRRDDD
S. Collier, Chair * G. Cubitt, Vice-Chair
S. Bhatia, Member * D. Carter, Member
K. Fisher, Member * M. Welch, Member * W. Woo, Member
April 17, 2024
Dear Mayor,
On behalf of the Durham Regional Police Service Board, I am providing you a copy of a recent
report to the Board on Community Policing. This report is produced annually by the Durham
Regional Police Service, and includes substantial detail on current trends and issues
confronting the Service, and offers insight into how the DRPS works in partnership with the
community to enhance community safety. The report serves as an excellent summary of the
extensive divisional activities and Regional initiatives undertaken by the DRPS, and we
encourage you to share the report with your Council members.
I also wish to note that as part of its commitment to engage the community, the Board will
making a request to appear at each local municipal Council once per year. We will soon reach
out to the Clerk of your municipality to make these arrangements.
We hope that you find the attached report informative, and we look forward to meeting you and
your Council members in the near future.
Sincerely,
Shaun Collier
Chair
c.c.: Chief Moreira
Attachment: Report to the Durham Regional Police Service Board-Community Policing, April 2024
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REPORT TO THE POLICE SERVICE BOARD
Author: Inspector Dave Mason
Date of Report: 3/22/2024
Type of Report: Public
Title: Community Policing
RECOMMENDATION
That the Board finds that all provisions of the Community Policing Ends Policy have been complied with.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
I hereby submit my monitoring report on your Ends Policy “Community Policing” according to the schedule
set out. I certify that the information contained in this report is true. I report compliance to all provisions
of this policy.
DISCUSSION
Board Policy Statement:
The mission, philosophy and values of the Durham Regional Police Service emphasize the importance of
working in partnership with citizens / communities. Working in collaboration with community partners
fosters trust and confidence in the police.
It is the policy of the Durham Regional Police Services Board that police services in Durham Region shall
be delivered in partnership with communities and citizens to proactively address and resolve community
problems. These partnerships will focus on the root causes of crime, aim to reduce fear of crime, and
maintain and enhance high levels of community safety.
Reporting
An assessment of community policing in Durham Region shall rely upon quantitative and qualitative
analyses of relevant data, information, and public input.
Interpretation of the Chief of Police:
It is my interpretation that the Board End of Community Policing relates to Section 1, principle 3 of the
Police Services Act, 1990 – Principle #3 identifies “The need for co-operation between the providers of
police services and the communities they serve”.
Community policing and its basic principles of a shared responsibility for safe and healthy communities,
through an informed and engaged citizenry, is at the core of everything we do at the Durham Regional
Police Service (DRPS). This philosophy is based on the legislative requirements of the Police Services Act,
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the adoption of the OACP’s Community Engagement and Mobilization Model1, and reinforced in the
Police Services Board’s Business Plan, which directs the DRPS to Deliver Community Safety through
Collaboration.
As a police service, we recognize the benefits of a community policing approach in helping us prevent and
investigate crime. Our goal is to work closely with each community and its members to ensure that Durham
Region is the safest community in which to live, work, and play. We have instilled an evidence-based
proactive policing model to address not only the fear of crime, but also the root causes of crime.
This report will highlight a selection of examples that demonstrate how a community policing approach
and its emphasis on cooperative, collaborative, and trusting relationships is threaded through the work that
we do every day, in every unit, and across the communities we serve.
Figure 1
1 Figure 1.
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EQUITY & INCLUSION UNIT
The Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS) Equity & Inclusion (EI) Unit (@DRPSDiversity)is a
centralized branch that leads Service-wide efforts toward a more equitable, diverse, and inclusive police
service. The EI Unit’s mandate is to provide strategic direction, advance core activities, and embed Equity,
Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) principles throughout the organization to ultimately achieve transformative
change. We aim to foster an equitable, diverse, and inclusive environment where all individuals are valued,
respected, and empowered to contribute to the organization's success.
In alignment with this mandate, the DRPS 2020-2022 Equity and Inclusion Strategic Plan was extended
into the 2023 calendar year to ensure continuity and momentum as we transitioned to the development of
the 2024 DRPS Strategic Plan.
The EI Unit manages three main portfolios: EDI Training, EDI Engagement, and Youth Engagement. These
portfolios enable DRPS to implement focused strategies, facilitate important conversations, and build
partnerships to advance EDI principles within our organization and the communities we serve.
EDI Training Portfolio Highlights
The EI Unit coordinates the development and delivery of evidence-based corporate training Service-wide
to enhance the EDI competency of DRPS members. In 2023, highlights included:
OACP Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Training Course
June 19: the EI Unit hosted the second annual OACP EDI Course.
5-day course held at DRPS Education Training Centre in partnership with Halton Police Service.
Welcomed 30 EDI practitioners from various Police Services.
Featured over 15 Subject Matter Experts covering 15 EDI areas.
Cumulative attendance: 55 delegates from 26 Police Services.
DRPS to facilitate 2 OACP EDI Training courses in 2024 (May & Nov).
Active Bystandership in Law Enforcement (ABLE)
ABLE is a comprehensive program implemented by DRPS in 2022, with 3 objectives:
o Promote Health and Wellness
o Reduce Mistakes
o Prevent Misconduct
24 DRPS members are certified ABLE Instructors.
ABLE sessions were integrated into the annual Block Training schedule.
As of the year's end, all available-duty members have successfully completed the training.
To delve deeper into the ABLE program, visit https://www.law.georgetown.edu/cics/able/
Women in Policing – National Research Project
On November 9, DRPS partnered with Ontario Tech University to initiate a ground breaking
national research study focusing on the experiences of women in policing.
This study addresses a critical gap in Canadian research, as existing studies mainly focus on women
in policing from other countries.
The aim of the project is to provide insights into the current climate for women police officers in
Canada.
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EDI Engagement Portfolio Update
The EI Unit, through evidence-based approaches, coordinates and develops EDI engagement initiatives to
foster positive organizational culture and externally deliver services and programs that inspire the trust and
confidence of all communities. In 2023, highlights included:
Black History Recognitions:
Engaged youth in a workshop on black excellence with author Nadine Williams.
Participation in various events, including the Ontario Black History Society’s 35th Annual Black
History Month Kick-off Brunch, and the “Together We Rise Durham: Excellence through the Arts”
Attendance at community meetings aimed at disrupting anti-Black racism and hate dialogue.
Contribution to events like the BBPA Harry Jerome Awards and the Association of Black Law
Enforcers Gala.
Engaging with Indigenous Community Partners:
DRPS attended and supported the Honouring Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples
Gathering, Mississauga of Scugog Island 25th annual Pow Wow, Indigenous-focused back-to-
school event and participation in traditional Indigenous ceremonies.
Pride Month:
Participated in 7 community Pride events, including the Durham Pride Parade.
6th Annual Women’s Recruiting Symposium:
Assisted the annual women’s recruiting symposium, offering valuable insights into the DRPS
hiring process and career opportunities to approximately 100 female participants.
DRPS Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Summit:
The EI Unit facilitated the 3rd annual DEI Summit which took place on November 8/9 at the
Harmony Event Centre in Oshawa, in collaboration with the OACP and 5 other police services.
Approximately 200 members of police services from across Canada attended the two-day event.
Attendees had the opportunity to hear from insightful guest speakers and engage in two panel
discussions:
o A Chief’s panel featuring DRPS Chief Moreira alongside Chiefs from Peel, York, and
Waterloo.
o A Women in Policing panel with participation from DRPS Inspectors Everson and Lock.
Diversity Advisory Committee (DAC):
Established to collaborate with DRPS in addressing challenges impacting the diverse communities of the
Durham Region, DAC has made significant strides in the past year.
In June, the EI Unit spearheaded a campaign and received 26 applications. Currently a cohort of 20
appointed citizens serve as a consultative and advisory body to the Office of the Chief of Police.
Throughout the year, DAC members actively engaged in a range of initiatives, including:
Providing input on the Chief’s 4 initiatives aimed at addressing systemic barriers.
Offering consultation to DRPS Corporate Communications on various media-related community
concerns.
Contributing insights to the DRPS Missing Persons Project.
Offering feedback and guidance on the DRPS Truth and Reconciliation Project.
Participating in discussions surrounding the DRPS Race-Based Data Town Hall.
Providing valuable input into the development of the 2024 DRPS Strategic Plan.
Playing a pivotal role in the selection process for the Youth in Policing Initiative.
Participating in the DRPS Citizens’ Police Academy.
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Youth Engagement Portfolio Update
The EI Unit coordinates the delivery of youth-related programs and services to promote positive and
trusting relationships between the police, youth, and the community. In 2023 highlights included:
Supporting ProAction Cops & Kids programs in Durham, hosting 6 programs to promote positive
and trusting relationships between the police, at-risk youth, and the community.
Supporting the Durham Community Action Group with their Disrupting Anti-Black Racism and
Hate project.
Participating in the DRPS Suits for Youths event.
Participating in the Durham Children’s Aid Society – Youth Pride Durham Event.
Participating in the Durham Community Health Centre – Get Ready for Back to School event.
Supporting the DRP Children’s Games.
Youth in Policing (YIP)
The YIP Initiative is a paid personal, professional, and community development opportunity for Durham
youth aged 15-18. The program has been running since 2006 in partnership with Ontario's Ministry of
Children, Community and Social Services. To date, the program has provided 2095 employment
opportunities. In 2023, highlights included:
Concluded 2 programs (the 2022-23 Winter Initiative and the 2023 Summer Initiative) employing
155 youth and providing 28 Leadership Team opportunities.
Began the 2023-24 Winter Initiative, employing an additional 18 Students and 14 Leaders.
Facilitated the 2023 IMPACT Youth Forum and 2023 Ripple Effect Youth Forum, 2 international
forums bringing together over 740 participants.
Fundraised over $35,000 for The Refuge Oshawa and Hearth Place Cancer Support Centre.
Participated in different learning opportunities with 25 unique community organizations.
Engaged with over 120 members and 15 units of the DRPS.
Continued to serve as co-chair for the provincial Youth in Policing Initiative – Community of
Practice Working Group.
Youth Advisory Committee (YAC):
YAC was established on June 1, 2021, and is comprised of Region of Durham youth between the ages of
16-24. The current 14 appointed youth form a consultative and advisory body to the Office of the Chief of
Police. Over the last year, YAC members have been involved in consultation and participation in a variety
of initiatives, such as:
Consultation on specific issues/incidents involving youth and the police.
Consultation on Durham Region – Community Safety and Wellbeing Plan.
Development of the DRPS Youth Resources Brochure.
Participated in hiring for the Youth in Policing Initiative.
Participated in Youth Pride Durham.
Participated in the DRP Children’s Games.
POLICING OPERATIONS
Policing operations are provided by five operational policing divisions. Each Division is led by an Inspector
who reports to the Superintendent of Patrol Operations. The Divisions develop a Community Safety Plan
in support of our common business plan goals. At the same time, these plans provide Divisional Leadership
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with the ability to address the unique needs and challenges of the communities they serve. Some of the
activities represented in these plans are provided below.
Each Divisional Community Safety Plan is developed to include active participation by Divisional
Leadership that includes the Divisional Inspector, the Patrol Services Leader, Platoon Staff Sergeants, and
the Community Response Team Sergeant.
The Divisional initiatives are championed by Divisional leadership through their specific action plans that
proactively address identified strategic initiatives such as: Roadway Safety, Community Engagement,
Assisting Victims of Crime, Youth Support, Durham Connect, and Improved Management of Crime
Trends. Community policing initiatives and events are promoted using our website and ‘X’ (Twitter),
Main Account - @DRPS
Equity and Inclusion Unit - @DRPSDiversity
North Division - @DRPSNorthDiv
East Division - @DRPSEastDiv
Central East Division - @DRPSCEDiv
Central West Division - @DRPSCWDiv
West Division - @DRPSWestDiv
Reporting structures were established to address evolving trends within this framework through
enforcement, community engagement, or project oriented response. Some of the results for 2023 are
contained within this report.
NORTH DIVISION
Community Engagement
North Division conducts quarterly meetings with the members of the Community Safety Advisory
Council. These community members collaborate with North Division to find community-based solutions
for community concerns. In addition, officers in Community Resource Unit in North Division participated
in a number of community-based events in 2023. Some examples include North Division Community
Safety Day, Coffee with a Cop, Cram a Cruiser, Senior Fraud Presentations, weekly Pro-Action Cops and
Kids Uxbridge Youth Curling, Drive Safe Youth Initiative and we also collaborated with Brock Community
Health Centre. The North Division SLO is also a member of the Positive School Climate Committee which
engages with vulnerable youth.
Foot and Bicycle Patrol
In 2023, North Division focused on increasing officer visibility and opportunities to engage with citizens
utilizing foot and bicycle patrols. There were over 148 hours (248 events) of foot patrols and 83 hours (18
events) of bicycle/ATV/snowmobile patrols in the downtowns, skate parks, trails, and other open areas.
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Collaborative Relationships with Four Different Communities
The Divisional leadership team has quarterly meetings with the Mayors and maintains open communication
with Chief LaRocca of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation (MSIFN) community. North
Division has dedicated Community Liaison Officers that maintain frequent informal meetings with the
MSIFN. Monthly crime analysis statistical reports are shared with the MSIFN, Mayors, and Councils.
Officers spent over 186 hours within the MSIFN community in 2023.
Roadway Safety
North Division has made a conscious effort to conduct enforcement on the snowmobile trails during the
winter months and ATV trails during the spring and summer months. Our presence on the trails afforded
officers the opportunity to interact with many members of community, who use the trails for recreation,
with close to 74 hours spent in 2023. North Division set a goal of reducing the rate of motor vehicle
collisions throughout the Division over the 5-year average in identified high collision locations; the
divisional 2022-2023 change and 5-year average statistics are captured below.
Despite the 10% increase in motor vehicle collisions, North Division noted a 21% increase in roadway
safety measures, including tickets issued, traffic stops and traffic cautions.
Community Safety
North Division officers take a proactive approach to community safety by conducting compliance checks
on members of the community who are on judicial release conditions as a result of criminal charges. In
2023, North Division officers conducted 79 compliance checks.
In addition, responding to an increase in drug activity and overdoses in North Division, members of the
Community Resource Unit and Criminal Investigation Bureau continued to conduct proactive investigative
projects to address the rising problem. The overall goal is to ensure a safe environment for the members of
the community, to reduce the drug activity, and to educate the community on harm reduction and
preventative measures surrounding dangerous substances.
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EAST DIVISION
Community Safety Advisory Council
The Community Safety Advisory Council (CSAC) was established in 2021 and continued to operate
throughout 2023. Currently we have representatives from all four wards as well as the Clarington Diversity
Advisory Committee. The CSAC meets quarterly and was established to promote information sharing,
positive relations, and awareness of police-related issues between DRPS and the various East Division
communities. The purpose of this initiative is to create a sustainable way to improve service delivery and
promote effective divisional planning, divisional policy, and decision-making that meets the needs of the
community.
Community Engagement
Community engagement continues to be a divisional priority for East Division. Throughout 2023, East
Division members attended multiple community events and initiatives. East Division Central Response
Unit (CRU) members also collaborated with ProAction Cops & Kids Durham Chapter to participate in
programs benefiting local youth. In 2023, CRU organized and implemented the 1st annual shop with a cop
at the Oshawa Centre, teaming 21 youth with an officer for a well deserved shopping spree. Thinking ahead
to 2024, we plan to focus on expanding to include more identified youth.
Roadway Safety
The Region of Durham in cooperation with DRPS has developed a Strategic Road Safety Action Plan
(SRSAP), which incorporates VISION ZERO, to reduce the number and severity of collisions in the
Region. In 2023, East Division implemented various monthly roadway safety initiatives and recorded the
following results: 12% increase in traffic cautions, 40% increase in tickets, and a 28% increase in traffic
stops in comparison to the divisional enforcement results achieved in 2022. Despite the increase in traffic
enforcement in 2023, the total number of motor vehicle collisions in East Division saw a 10% increase from
2022 and a 29% increase when compared to the 5-year average.
Targeting Retail Thefts
In 2023, East Division collaborated with external partners at the top four (4) retail complainants (Walmart,
Home Depot, Real Canadian Superstore, and LCBO) in an effort to address ongoing theft and fraud
occurrences. Corporate risk management policies dictate a hands-off approach by Loss Prevention Officers
(LPOs), who engage police services to respond on their behalf with a delayed reactive approach. This has
led to continual criminal activity as offenders have become confidently undeterred. The SMART (Support
and Manage Anti-Retail Theft) program was developed, focusing on significant numbers of criminal
offences occurring at the commercial Smart Centre located at Harmony Road North and Taunton Road,
Oshawa. The SMART program utilized general and specific deterrence of commercial crime through
collaboration between police and LPO enforcement, using Criminal Code and Provincial Offence charges,
as well as trespass and diversion options. Plainclothes and uniform officers were deployed to the area for
roughly 8 hours each shift, with time reserved for investigation completion and follow-up, for 6 days
throughout April and May.
From these efforts, the following results were noted:
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Enforcement Days 6
Arrests 22
Bail Hearings 2
Criminal Charges 27
TPA Charges 12
HTA Charges 6
Youth-Related Diversions 2
Looking into 2024, there are plans to include additional stores in the complex as well as expanding the
program to have the initiative utilized at other big box stores within the region including Bowmanville,
Whitby and Ajax. With an increase in corporate stakeholders the development of a full enforcement team
will be explored.
Compliance Checks
In an effort to properly manage high-risk offenders in our community, compliance checks of individuals on
interim release are regularly conducted to ensure court-imposed conditions are being abided by. In 2023,
compliance checks increased by 77% and breaches increased by 58%, when compared with 2022.
Foot Patrol
In 2023, East Division uniform members routinely engaged in proactive foot patrol in downtown
Bowmanville, Newcastle, and Orono, with 228 instances and over 160 hours spent. The purpose was to
enhance police visibility and public trust, and reduce the fear of crime. Hundreds of hours have been spent
on foot patrol, and residents, members of council, and the local Business Improvement Associations have
commented on the positive impact of this program.
CENTRAL EAST DIVISION
Youth Engagement
In 2023, Central East Division officers, including members from platoons, our Community Response Unit
(CRU), School Liaison Officer (SLO) and Administrative Staff, worked closely with our young residents.
The SLOs responded to 330 calls for service, completing 136 General Occurrence reports and 130 follow-
ups in relation to school and youth-related incidents that would otherwise require a general patrol uniformed
response. Our SLOs continued to work closely with the 31 schools within our Division to provide
programming and educational opportunities. Our SLO team delivered presentations with a concerted focus
this year on on-line safety including content on “sexting” and “sextortion” to grade 7 & 8 students.
Central East Division officers documented over 80 positive youth engagement occurrences and in
partnership with “Circle K”, front-line members issued over 200 positive “slushie tickets” to youth
throughout our community. Our Division organized and led several youth events including, “Cram a
Cruiser”, Chief for the Day and Pro-Action Kids and Cops events.
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Community Engagement
The Division sought to increase our visible presence in the community and participate in as many
community events as possible. Our members participated in 96 community, cultural and faith-based events
in 2023. We participated in Oshawa Fiesta Week, which celebrates numerous cultural communities and
centres in our Division. Our members attended various faith-based events including Christmas events, a
Menorah lighting ceremony, Canada Eid celebration and an event at First Baptist church. Our Division led
the Regional “Seniors Christmas” campaign which organized the donation and distribution of 500 gifts for
seniors in the community. Our School Liaison officers organized the Service’s “Chief for the day” events
and participated in community events such as the Children’s Games, Remembrance Day parade, “Girls take
Flight” and John Howard Society’s “Community with Brooms.” Central East Division deploys officers
on foot and bike patrol throughout the most of the year. These officers continue to engage with the many
social service centres, businesses in the downtown core and countless members of our community,
including our most vulnerable and unhoused population.
In an effort to address ongoing crime trends, weekly meetings are held with Divisional Leadership, our
Criminal Investigation Branch, Platoon Leadership, and our Crime Analyst. During these discussions,
crime “hot spots” are identified for directed data-led patrols. Our Divisional leadership regularly meets
with City of Oshawa officials, the Mayor and Council members ensuring effective collaboration to address
the challenges our community faces. Divisional leadership met with members of the local business
community, listening to their concerns and working with them to resolve problems. Our Community
Response Unit Sergeant is a member of the City of Oshawa’s event planning committee and the Region’s
Opioid Task Force, working to address harm reduction and combat the ongoing opioid crisis. Our Division
continues to engage with the community over social media, namely our Divisional “X” handle
(@DRPSCEDiv) and through media releases.
Roadway Safety
Roadway safety continues to be a strategic priority for Central East Division with a focus on the “Big Four
Killers” on our roadways. Our traffic complaint reporting process ensures each community initiated
complaint is received by our Division’s Traffic Safety Coordinator. Our community’s population continues
to increase, so did the amount of traffic accidents. CE Division observed a 14% increase in the number of
collisions in 2023 over the previous year. Our Division operated ten coordinated traffic safety initiatives,
issuing provincial offence notices and in some cases cautioning and educating drivers on roadway safety.
The Division issued a total of 11,421 Provincial Offence Notices, an 11% increase over 2022. Enforcement
was directed at high-collision intersections and school zones. Impaired driving occurrences rose slightly in
2023 and our members conducted 178 investigations removing impaired drivers from our roads.
Downtown Oshawa, Crime and Disorder
Central East Division responded to over 36,646 calls for service in 2023. Crime and disorder in the
downtown core continues to be a large source of community complaints and concern. Our Division created
a sustained high-visibility foot and bike patrol project focused on the downtown core of the City. The
objective is to reduce violence, decrease lawlessness behavior, increase public safety and ensure the
enjoyment of our downtown for all members of our community. The initiative is a collaborative effort
between front-line members and our Community Response Team (CRT). Between May and November,
the Division deployed increased staffing to patrol the downtown. These members engaged with businesses
in the downtown, social service centres, and our ever-growing unhoused community. Medical, check on
the wellbeing, unwanted persons, assault and armed persons incidents were the most responded to calls for
service in the downtown core. Illicit drug use and overdoses continue to be a problem with many of the
Region’s total overdose incidents isolated to downtown Oshawa. Our Divisional CRT received over 150
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complaints from the community, City staff and the CrimeStoppers program related to street-level drug
trafficking. CRT conducted numerous streel-level drug investigations, executing 23 search warrants and
seizing nearly two kilograms of cocaine, fentanyl and methamphetamine as well as six firearms. The
Division completed a bail compliance initiative conducting 613 checks on offenders in our community and
operated an AGCO project working with that agency to conduct 132 inspections at 35 licenced
establishments.
On May 30th, the initiative launched with a media event and assistance from our Auxiliary Unit and Oshawa
By-Law and Corporate Security. The deployment model represented a total of 6,260 hours of foot and
bike patrol. Violent and property crime both trended higher in 2023 and 2024’s downtown project will
begin early (March).
CENTRAL WEST DIVISION
Roadway Safety
A major component of our Strategic Operational Plan is Roadway Safety. For 2023, a total of 8209
provincial offence notices were issued, an increase of 19% over 2022. Central West Division continually
focused on the enforcement of the “Big Four Killers” on our roadways in an effort to enhance roadway
safety. The four are individually referred to as: Aggressive Driving, Distracted Driving, Seatbelt Use, and
Impaired Operation. For those offences, 3274 provincial offence notices were issued in 2023, an increase
of 17% over 2022. The number of reported collisions for the top four intersections in Central West
decreased by 13% last year.
Central West also focused on impaired driving enforcement in 2023. These efforts resulted in the number
of impaired driving arrests made by Central West officers in 2023 to be 216, an increase of 19%.
Central West Community Safety Advisory Team
Three meetings were conducted in 2023, and information sharing has resulted in better awareness of issues
and a more positive relationship with the community. Topics discussed include racism, poverty, bettering
our community engagement, and crime trends. Through this partnership, we participated in a Community
Day in June 2023, which was held on the grounds of the Regional Headquarters. In addition, we were able
to assist with the DRPS Food & Toy Drive for Christmas 2023 with volunteers from the Community Safety
Advisory Team and Durham College. This was a great success, with food donations going to the Salvation
Army, exceeding our target.
Crime and Disorder Calls
Central West Division also focused on mitigating reported incidents of crime and disorder in the area of the
downtown core (an increase of 46%), motels situated along the 401 corridor (a decrease of 7%) and the
Simcoe & Britannia corridor of North Oshawa (a decrease of 5%) compared to the previous year. Central
West Division has a member who serves on the Business Improvement Association, and this partnership
results in timely two-way information sharing regarding trends and issues.
Property Crime
For 2023, residential Break and Enter incidents increased by 43 incidents, or 45% from 2022. Proactive
patrols were conducted in response to crime analysis. Theft from Motor Vehicle occurrences decreased by
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58 incidents or 17% in 2023 compared to last year. In 2022, Theft of Motor Vehicle occurrences increased
by 114 incidents or 47% when compared to last year, a trend experienced in the majority of GTA
communities.
Compliance Checks
In order to properly manage offenders in the community, a strategy was implemented to conduct
compliance checks on those individuals on interim release, ensuring that they were abiding by court-
imposed conditions. Several initiatives were conducted throughout the year by the Community Response
Team and front line members. Central West Division focused upon subjects before the courts, those
released on Parole for Firearms and Violent Offences, and those bound by both the Provincial and National
Sex Offender Registry (SOR). For the entire year in 2023, 807 checks were conducted, an increase of 31%
over 2022. Separately, during the month of May 2023, 21 SOR checks were completed.
Community Engagement
In 2023, Central West added an emphasis on the use of “X” formerly known as Twitter (@DRPSCWDiv)
to engage with our community. X was utilized to highlight visits to schools by our School Liaison Officers
and community concerns regarding traffic-related issues. We have increased the number of officers trained
on the use of X and expect our impressions to increase in 2024. In 2023, Central West sent out 307 tweets
with approximately 271000 impressions. Central West has 9% more followers than last year. We believe
X is a valuable tool in engaging with our community and notifying them of issues in a timely manner, when
feasible and/or appropriate.
Community engagement is a priority for Central West where members engaged in multiple community
events and initiatives. On one occasion front line members of Central West attended Coco’s Cocoa for
Kids charity event organized by a Whitby elementary student. All of the proceeds from the sale of hot
chocolate went to Sick Kid’s Hospital. Our Community Response Unit attending weekly presentations at
the Whitby Fire Services Summer camps, the Special Olympic Fundraiser event at Lonestar and assisted
with the setup of Central West Community Day amongst many other events.
Central West put Durham Regional Police on the world-wide map when front line members assisted in the
apprehension of a missing kangaroo. An appreciative member of the public later attended the division with
hand crafted Christmas tree ornaments in remembrance of the event. It was a kind gesture by the
community and highlighted the caring and compassionate members of Central West.
WEST DIVISION
Gun Violence and Violent Crime
The level of reported violent crime in West Division increased by 1% in 2023. 14 firearm
discharges/shootings occurred in the division last year, which is a single incident higher than in 2022. There
were 27 crime gun seizures by DRPS throughout the year, along with 11 firearms seized by the Toronto
Police Service and Peel Regional Police at different locations in Pickering and Ajax.
West Division continues to operate a Gun Violence and Violent Crime Reduction Strategy and the
following initiatives were implemented as a part of our response to the increase in violent crimes in Ajax
and Pickering in 2022:
An increase in compliance checks (1044 checks were completed in 2023 which is a 122%
increase from 2022).
Proactive patrols in dedicated areas.
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Gun Violence and Violent Crime N.O.C.C. Initiative (Notification of Community Crime).
Proactive use of the Community Response Team to support Investigations involving violence.
Community Healing – Town Hall held at Audley Recreation Centre and the McLean Centre to
address community concerns following a firearm discharge incident.
Property Crime
In 2023, property crime increased by 27% in West Division, which was primarily driven by increases in
vehicle thefts (+48%) and fraud (+27%) In addition to the ongoing theft of motor vehicle incidents, West
Division also experienced a 53% increase in Facebook Marketplace set ups where typically either cash or
phones were stolen by individuals posing as interested buyers/sellers.
As a part of West Division’s Property Crime Reduction Strategy, members participated in the following
initiatives in Ajax and Pickering throughout 2023:
Proactive patrols and investigative resources deployed in response to crime patterns.
Members of CIB, CRU, and frontline patrol attended Pickering Town Centre for Police Week, as
well as a community town hall in Claremont and in Ajax.
Education of seniors and vulnerable persons on how to protect themselves from being the victim
of a theft or fraud.
Education via social media to increase awareness regarding the Facebook Marketplace thefts.
Engagement in projects to address recurring issues of retail theft.
Information sharing with partner agencies to address multijurisdictional offending.
Roadway Safety
10,137 provincial offence notices (PONs) were issued in West Division throughout the year, with
enforcement being focused on high collision intersections and reported problem areas in Ajax/Pickering.
There were 3,495 reported motor vehicle collisions in Ajax/Pickering, which represents a 19% increase
compared to 2022 and a 39% increase when compared to the 5-year average.
Proactive Divisional RIDE (Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere) was conducted throughout the year.
There were 213 impaired driving reports in 2023, representing a 11% decrease compared to 2021.
Community Engagement
Community engagement remains a divisional priority in West Division and in 2023; there was a 12%
increase in the number of proactive patrols where officers interacted with members of the community. In
response to a growing demand for police presence, we continued with our Community Engagement Team
that was formed within the Division to streamline the request process and to create additional opportunities
for officers to attend. In addition to enhancing our level of engagement with the community, this approach
allows members to build their diversity competence by learning more about the cultural background of
residents living in Ajax and Pickering.
Throughout the year, West Division also facilitated six (6) meetings of the Community Safety Advisory
Council, which was formed in 2019 to promote information sharing, positive relations, and awareness of
police-related issues between the DRPS and the community. Topics of discussion during the meetings have
included body worn cameras, community engagement, Human Trafficking and crime trends.
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Social Development
Throughout the year, members of West Division continue to work with the Community Safety Branch,
Doors of Compassion, the Ajax Hub, and the Ajax Task Force to provide support to unsheltered community
members. To continue developing relationships to support the unsheltered community in Ajax-Pickering,
the Division are part of a program with various municipal and regional agencies, where frontline members
regularly attend breakfast at the Ajax Hub to interact and build trust with the unsheltered community.
2023 was a landmark year in West Division for response to protests. West Division CRU staffed 16 protests.
These ranged from Anti-Sogi Curriculum to Pro Palestinian demonstrations and occurred over a period of
100 days in the end of 2023. These required meticulous planning and redirection of resources to address
the concerns. Sixteen separate individualized Operation Plans were drafted and approved for police
response.
PATROL SUPPORT
KEEPING OUR ROADWAYS AND WATERWAYS SAFE
Roadway Safety
A leading concern that has been expressed from our communities is roadway safety. Each Division has
dedicated Traffic Safety Officers who develop strategies to address the specific needs or concerns of the
community. These strategies differ amongst Divisions: North & East Divisions focus on the increasing
commercial motor vehicle traffic that exists in their communities. Central East, Central West, and West
Divisions employ strategies that mainly focus on high collision intersections. We continue to work closely
with partners such as the Ministry of Transportation (MTO), Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), Municipal
by-law, Planning Departments, the Region of Durham, Road Watch, and our many community volunteer
organizations. We share the goal of a safer Region through development of lasting solutions beyond
enforcement; continuing to support the Region of Durham Vision Zero strategy.
Traffic Services Branch (TSB) – Traffic Enforcement Unit
In an effort to focus on collision reduction, the Traffic Enforcement Unit (TEU) continued to embrace the
strategy of intelligence-led enforcement, focusing on measurable outcomes. The focus of enforcement
efforts, in support of Durham Region’s Vision Zero, continue to be the “Big-Four Killers; Impaired
Operation, Distracted and Aggressive Driving, and Not Wearing Seat Belts. Traffic Services issued 7257
provincial offence notices which is a 41% increase from 4787 written in 2022. Of note, in 2023, TEU
Officers issued 40 offence notices for stunt driving, 600 handheld device infractions, 2686 speeding
infractions, 378 careless driving charges, and issued 48 seatbelt tickets.
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In 2023, charges were laid in 656 Impaired related driving investigations, this was an 11% increase over
impaired driving cases in 2022 (590 incidents).
The Festive RIDE team in 2023 was comprised of 12 dedicated officers working nights with a primary
focus on roadway safety. The DRPS Auxiliary Unit, comprised of volunteer officers supported RIDE
throughout the season. The 2023 RIDE team conducted nightly static RIDE lines; 9 of which involved
volunteers with the MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) Durham Chapter. The team also worked
collaboratively with the Ministry of Transportation Training and Education Branch, Enforcement Branch
as well as the OPP Highway Safety Division and Detachment Enforcement Teams. The Festive RIDE Team
was involved in 61.7% of all impaired arrests regionally.
The number of vehicles stopped by the Festive RIDE Team increased by 46.7%.
Festive RIDE Statistics 2022 2023 Result
Total Vehicles stopped 9907 12682 28% increase
Roadside Breath Tests 492 533 8% increase
Provincial Offence Notices Issued 692 974 40% Increase
Licence Suspension 3/7/30 Day 41 40
Novice Driver-3 Day Licence Suspension 18 19
Impaired Driving Arrests 77 87 18.5% increase
Criminal Code Offences 35 64 150% increase
Various Highway Traffic Act Offences 265 692 161% increase
Drug Offence Charges 2 3
In addition to Festive RIDE, conducted over the holiday season, the Traffic Services Branch focused RIDE
efforts targeting Super Bowl Sunday, St Patrick’s Day and the May long weekend.
Traffic Services reached 1,108,000 Impressions on Social Media through the X account handle “DRPS
Traffic Services @DRPSRoadSafety.”
Air Support Unit (ASU)
In 2023, the Air Support Unit (ASU) worked 220 shifts over a combined 707.8 flight hours; a 42% increase
over 2022 (479.7 hours). Air 1 supported 860 calls for service in 2023. This represents a slight decrease of
6% from 2022 (917). Air 1 was first-on-scene to dispatched calls approximately 302 times, which is a 13%
increase over 2022 (280).
The ASU was successful in locating 147 subjects during calls for service in 2023, representing a 15%
decrease when compared to the 174 subjects located in the previous year.
2023 led to an increase in lost shifts due to maintenance and weather with 37 shifts being lost over the year.
This was due to deferred maintenance to the aircraft due to lower flight hours experienced over the
Pandemic period.
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Marine Unit
The 2023 marine season spanned from May 1st to October 8th providing 23 weeks of marine support on
Lake Ontario, Scugog and Simcoe. The Marine Unit is staffed by a part-time contingent of members within
the Traffic Services Branch comprised of 1 Master licensed Captain and 6 part-time cross-trained Coxwain
licensed operators.
In 2023 the Marine Unit experienced an 18.8% increase in calls for service with a response rate of 91%.
465.5 hours were spent providing policing services on the waterways in 2023. In this time 457 Vessel
checks were conducted which amounted to a 304% increase from the 117 checks that were reported in
2022; a considerable achievement when considering the part-time deployment model of the Unit. The unit
issued 115 provincial offence notices from 11 in 2022 representing a 945% increase over 2023. Marine
related enforcement infractions included safety violations, liquor and drug offences as well as violations
under the Highway Traffic Act. 191 cautions were issued. 82 calls for service and/or callouts equated to an
18% increase over 2022. In 2023 there was 1 arrest for Impaired Operation. The unit was also deployed in
a RIDE capacity where efforts prevented three incidents where intoxicated boaters were stopped prior to
operating vessels.
The Marine Unit experienced staffing challenges that led to a reduced patrol schedule during the 2022
season. These officers spent the majority of their time training and learning the lakes within the Region.
Five additional officers have received their Basic Marine Training and contributed to the patrol and
enforcement efforts identified above in 2023.
The Marine Unit continued to engage with our partner enforcement and marine community stakeholders:
Ontario Power Generation
HOPA-Hamilton Port Authority
Transport Canada
Coast Guard
JRCC-Joint Rescue Coordination Centre
Ministry of Environment
Parks Canada
Department of Fisheries
Ministry of Natural Resources
Oshawa Parks
Collision Reporting Centre (CRC)
The Police Service continues to collaborate with Accident Support Services International (ASSIL) to
provide an alternative process for reporting collisions. Community members involved in minor motor
vehicle collisions within the Region of Durham can report incidents at one centralized location, instead of
waiting for roadside police response, which could involve substantial wait times depending on call
volume.
The statistical analysis of incidents reported to the Collision Reporting Centre has been summarized and
presented to the Board in the 2023 Collision Reporting Centre Board Review.
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Commercial Motor Vehicle Enforcement
Durham Region has a large variety of Commercial Motor Vehicle traffic, from light duty pick-up trucks to
dual 53-foot tractor-trailer combinations. The aggregate hauling network in Durham has greatly increased
due to the expansion of the 407 in recent years. With growing infrastructure and development within the
area, commercial motor vehicle activity has increased substantially.
326 Commercial Motor Vehicles were involved in collisions within the Region of Durham excluding MTO
roads. This was a 13.5% decrease over 2022 (377).
There were 39 Commercial Motor Vehicles (fatal and injury related) that occurred in 2023 which was a
39% decrease over 2022 (64). The Collision Investigation Unit (CIU) investigated 3 commercial motor
vehicles involved in serious motor vehicle collisions or fatalities in 2023 which is 1 less than in 2022 (4).
The DRPS’s primary Commercial Motor Vehicle Inspector ended his tenure in Traffic Services in 2022.
As such, an additional 3 Traffic Services Enforcement Officers were trained and qualified as Commercial
Motor Vehicle Inspectors in 2023 with the assistance of the Ministry of Transportation. The 3 trained
commercial motor vehicle inspectors continue to support divisional and regional traffic safety initiatives.
In 2023, the Service’s designated Commercial Motor Vehicle Inspectors participated in 6 CMV Blitz’s. 53
CMV Inspections were completed in 2023; an increase of 17% over 2022 (45). Said inspections resulted in
100 Provincial Offence Notices and 12 Cautions. 96 Mandatory CMV inspections were completed
regionally in conjunction with Divisional Traffic Safety Coordinators and the Ministry of Transportation.
12 vehicles were put out-of-service as a result of these efforts which kept 12 unsafe commercial motor
vehicles off of Regional Roadways.
SUPPORTING OUR VULNERABLE PERSONS
Mental Health Support Unit (MHSU)
In 2023, the DRPS Mental Health Support Unit (MHSU) continued its partnership with the Home and
Community Care Support Services Central East (HCCSSCE), Lakeridge Health and the Region of Durham.
The MHSU currently operates with five teams, each team consisting of a police officer and a mental health
nurse. These five teams allow for Regional coverage seven days a week, 17 hours a day, between 0700-
0000 hours.
MHSU members review mental health related reports and conduct proactive follow-ups and check on the
well-being calls in person and over the phone. MHSU members act as a resource to front line members of
DRPS, providing advice and/or attending calls at their request. MHSU members provide referrals and
supports to individuals referred through DRPS investigative and support units, as requested. Teams also
provide a reactive response to persons requiring immediate mental health support, as well as provide
referrals and service navigation to individuals and their families/caregivers/and support persons.
In 2023, members of MHSU authored 2140 reports documenting their activities and engagement with
members of the public. They diverted 687 calls from frontline officer response and communications/911
calls, de-escalated 772 incidents, referred 202 individuals for support and resources and attended 187
proactive community engagement sessions/parade visits.
The heat map below visually illustrates the density of calls MHSU attended in 2023.
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Durham Connect
Durham Connect was established in 2015 and is a partnership of numerous multidisciplinary agencies that
represent community-based organizations, as well as local, regional and provincial agencies. Each agency
has the ability to serve and support vulnerable individuals within Durham Region.
The Durham Connect Situation Table has traditionally been a resource for acutely elevated risk (AER)
cases for individuals and families in the Region of Durham. Cases that met the threshold of AER, at the
agency level, were brought forward to the Table for presentation and voting. If approved, a
multidisciplinary team with services specific to the identified risks, would assemble and provide rapid
mobilization of services to “wrap around” the AER individual or family, ultimately to mitigate or reduce
that risk. The Table has seen a steady decline in the number of cases brought forward as AER, which
appears to be in line with provincial trends.
A major reason for the decline is suspected to be the successful proactive work being done to prevent cases
of identified risk from escalating to AER. In 2019, Durham Regional Police Service added a full-time
liaison officer for Durham Connect, as police were identified as the number one originating agency at the
Table. The liaison officer recognized individuals/families were “falling through the cracks” until they
became at and AER threshold. It was determined there was an opportunity to engage with community
members at an earlier stage, effectively dealing with the risk in a proactive versus reactive manner, whilst
building positive relationships between police and the community. The liaison officer created and
developed the “Divisional Information Officers” (DIOs). Each platoon in the Region is represented by at
least one DIO, their role is to educate, promote and increase organizational awareness of the Durham
Connect program. The result of creating this internal position has been an increase in the number of referrals
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to Durham Connect. This in turn has increased the number of individuals/families who can be assisted by
services in a proactive approach, through referrals in internal and external supports and resources. The
Durham Connect liaison officer frequently utilizes internal supports such as MHSU and OASIS (previously
the Senior Support Unit) to assist in follow up with the individuals through the DRPS partnerships with
Lakeridge Health and the Region of Durham.
The following is a breakdown of the DRPS incidents flagged to the attention of the Durham Connect Liaison
officer through members of the DRPS and Table cases per calendar year for the Region since 2018:
Year 2018* 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023
DRPS
Referrals 8 195 214 292 379 377
Table
Cases 65 62 13 18 11 10
*Prior to liaison officer position being created
Durham Connect is aligned with the goals and objectives of the Community Safety and Well-Being Plan
through agency collaboration to provide the mitigation of elevated risk, and prevention proactively dealing
with identified risks at an early stage.
Public Safety Unit (PSU)
2023 was another busy year for the Public Safety Unit, as there were six deployments for the unit in a Public
Order capacity. These deployments included ongoing protests regarding the conflict in Israel and Palestine,
both in the Region of Durham as well as to assist the City of Toronto. The Public Safety Unit was also
deployed back to the City of Ottawa to assist other teams with the visit of US President BIDEN. In addition,
the Public Safety Unit was called out on 30 occasions in 2023 to conduct evidence and missing person
searches for vulnerable people (elderly, very young, suicidal, dementia, etc.). On 117 other occasions, a
search manager and/or on duty PSU members were consulted or deployed by the Patrol Sergeant or Duty
Inspector for guidance related to missing persons calls. This represents an increase of 25% and 277%
respectfully.
The Public Safety Unit has been authorized to grow to a compliment of 80 part time members from the
current 55 member team. It has also seen the addition of a full time member as a Pilot Position that will
hopefully lead to a confirmed member responsible for coordinating and logistics for the Unit.
The Public Safety Unit has been active in training for 2023. This has included teaching on the Incident
Command 200 and 300 Courses, the Criminal Investigative Techniques Course, and delivering the Basic
Search and Rescue Course. Currently they are in development of Initial Training for all Front Line
members.
MAJOR CRIME UNIT
SUPPORTING THE INVESTIGATION OF CRIME AND DISORDER
Intimate Partner Violence Unit
In 2023, IPVU managed 1443 cases with 758 accused parties, laying 1720 criminal charges. The Unit
supported Patrol Operations by case managing all Criminal Harassment and Breach of Court Order cases
that were generated from domestic-related calls for service. Members conducted 104 bail and release
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condition compliance checks on accused persons. The Unit’s supervising domestic violence coordinator
reviewed 7,388 domestic-related incident reports, including all cases where charges were deemed not
warranted. The Unit is supported by a full-time Victim Services Counsellor supporting victims of intimate
partner violence. The Unit also works in partnership with several community and victim-centered
organizations, including several local women’s shelters.
Threat Assessment Unit (TAU)
Threat Assessment is best explained as criminal profiling for violence. The Durham Regional Police Service
Threat Assessment Unit (TAU) consists of a Detective with experience in the investigation of violent crime
who also receives specialized training in the fields of threat assessment and risk management, and is a
Certified Trainer for the Assessment of Risk to Others (ARTO) protocol. In 2023, a transition began in
TAU with a new Detective currently completing the Threat Assessor certification understudy with the
Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Criminal Behavioural Analysis section. During this training period, threat
assessment support for emergent DRPS cases is being provided by the OPP.
In support of the Service’s Community Threat Assessment and Intervention Protocol (C-TAIP) and Police
/ Schoolboard Protocol, the Threat Assessment Coordinator engaged in 289 consultations (down slightly
from 303 in 2022) with the Region’s school boards and the DRPS School Liaison Officers (SLOs) who
provide directed service to them. These including the Durham District Schoolboard (DDSB) Durham
Catholic District School Board (DCDSB), Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board (KPR),
Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington Catholic School Board (PVNC), Conseil Scolaire
Viamonde and CSC Mon Avenir. The Service continues to train its SLOs in the ARTO protocol to provide
a more trauma-informed response to school-related incidents.
Special Victims Unit (SVU)
Previously called the Sexual Assault Unit, the Unit was re-named the Special Victims Unit to better
represent the services and support provided by their members to the community. The SVU investigates all
sexual assaults and historic sexual assaults where the victim was under the age of 18 at the time of the
offence, where the suspect has not been identified, and or the sexual assaults are serial in nature. The SVU 8451011854142514436846726817217581545154518341655172014131961042019 2020 2021 2022 2023
IPVU 5 YEAR STATS
CASE MANAGED ACCUSED CHARGES COMPLIANCE CHECKS
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also investigates allegations of child abuse where the victim is under 16 years of age and the suspect is in a
position of trust, authority or caregiver to the victim.
The SVU works alongside the Durham Children's Aid Society and Dnaagdawenmag Binnoojiiyag Child &
Family Services who assist with all child abuse investigations. SVU investigators also work closely with
Lakeridge Health – Domestic Violence Sexual Assault Care Centre (DVSACC) and Sick Kid’s Hospital.
The SVU facilitates the Sexual Assault Advocate Review Committee, which is a civilian group made up of
community partners who review all threshold sexual assault reports where charges are not laid. The Unit
has community partnerships with Durham Rape Crisis Centre, The Denise House, Bethesda House, and
Luke’s Place. The Unit has also committed to being a part of the forthcoming Child and Youth Advocacy
Centre – a one-stop support location for young victims of sexual offences. We expect this centre to go live
sometime in late 2024 or early 2025.
In 2023, the SVU managed 1035 sexual offences, which includes indecent acts. Within that figure, 606
investigations had the primary offence as sexual assault. 87of those sexual assault cases had a victim under
the age of 18.
Polygraph
The Polygraph Unit, consisted of one investigator: D/C Colin Rose, who was involved in 60 investigations
while supporting the various investigative units across the region. Polygraph was incorporated into 13 of
those investigations. The unit was called upon and completed 10 post arrest interviews involving incidents
of sexual assault and homicide, often extensive investigations by nature, which require significant time in
order to prepare and develop a plan for the interview. This level of preparation led to a confession and an
apology letter written by the accused to the victim of a sexual assault. The unit assisted outside agencies
including suspect interviews as part of an investigation into the death of a baby, which resulted in the father
of the child being charged.
The Polygraph Unit also provided interview training to officers on an individual basis providing them with
a frame work and platform to develop their interviewing skills. The unit also assisted officers in developing
their interview plan for an upcoming interview, or reviewing an interview that they have already conducted,
providing feedback on strategies and techniques to incorporate into their future interviews. The Polygraph
Unit is responsible for the development of the content and delivery of the one week Investigative
Interviewing Skills courses and Advanced Investigative Interviewing Skills courses which were both run
twice for 2023. In addition, interview training was provided to new recruits four times through the course
of the year as well as part of the OPC Criminal Investigative Techniques courses. The Polygraph Unit also
presented to the Youth In Policing, conducting a polygraph examination demonstration which, was well
received.
In 2020 and 2021, the Polygraph Unit was involved in three separate cases by conducting the post-arrest
interview of the three accused and obtaining a confession in each one. Guilty pleas for the two sexual
assault cases were entered and the two accused were sentenced to 5 and 7 years in 2023. The third case,
was the death of a baby in which the father had been charged. The judge found him guilty relying heavily
on the utterances he made during his post-arrest interview and subsequently sentenced him to 9 years for
the criminal offence of manslaughter in 2023.
Viclas Coordinator (violent Crimes Linkage & Analysis System)
The Viclas coordinator reports directly to the Detective-Sergeant of Special Victims Unit, this position is
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responsible for collecting, reviewing, validating, and submitting the Viclas booklets completed by officers
to the OPP Violent Crimes Reporting Centre. Viclas assists investigators identify serial crimes and offenders
by focusing on the linkages that exist among crimes committed by the same offender.
2023 Viclas Submissions
Offence Number of Viclas Submissions
Homicide or attempts, solved or unsolved 13
Sexual Assaults, solved or unsolved 540
Non-parental abductions and attempts 12
Missing person occurrences where circumstances indicate a strong
possibility of foul play and the person remains missing
0
Found human remains / unidentified body that are known or
suspected to be homicide
0
Luring of a child or attempted luring of a child, solved or unsolved 5
All non-criteria Viclas submissions 75
total 645
Bail Compliance Dashboard Initiative
In 2021, the Toronto Police Service provided the Durham Regional Police Service with access to its then
new Firearms Bail Dashboard. Around that time, Toronto’s Firearms Bail Dashboard contained
approximately 1,500 subjects on bail with firearm charges. 400 of those individuals had bail addresses
outside of Toronto. 30 of them were identified as residing in Durham Region.
In July of 2022, in collaboration with TPS, DRPS launched its own Firearms Bail Dashboard which gave
both services the ability to share and display firearm and bail compliance information in real time. This
innovative approach, the first of its kind in Canada, helped break down geographic barriers and ultimately
led to increased officer and community safety.
When the Firearm Bail Dashboard first launched in Durham, it focused solely on subjects who were on bail
with charges related to firearms, murder and participation in a criminal organization. The Firearm Bail
Dashboard provided frontline officers in Durham with access to real-time situational awareness and enabled
them to make better, data-driven decisions.
In March of 2023, Durham’s Firearms Bail Dashboard transitioned to the Bail Compliance Dashboard. At
that time, the DRPS dashboard threshold expanded to include a number of further other criminal charges,
including, but not limited to, sexual assault, kidnapping, human trafficking, forcible confinement, robbery,
arson, child pornography, aggravated assault and assault with a weapon.
As Durham’s dashboard continues to develop and evolve, the number of dashboard subjects that are
identified and monitored through bail compliance checks steadily increases.
227 – Subjects on the Firearm Bail Dashboard (November 2022)
440 – Subjects on the Bail Compliance Dashboard (July 2023)
555 – Subjects on the Bail Compliance Dashboard (March 2024)
Of the 555 subjects currently on Durham’s Bail Compliance Dashboard, 154 are living in the Durham
Region with firearm-related charges. There are also 91 identified subjects in Durham with ankle monitors
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and 51 subjects on bail with DRPS-laid firearm charges who live in other jurisdictions. All of those
individuals are tracked by Durham’s Bail Compliance Dashboard.
As the Bail Compliance Dashboard grows and awareness of it spreads, more and more officers continue
the new application to help support and guide bail compliance check efforts. As a result, overall DRPS bail
compliance check numbers have dramatically increased.
1,127 – Bail compliance checks in 2021
1,688 – Bail compliance checks in 2022 (DRPS Bail Compliance Dashboard launched in July of 2022)
3,396 – Bail compliance checks in 2023
In 2024, the Bail Compliance Dashboard moved under the Offender Management Unit’s umbrella. Going
forward in 2024, the Bail Compliance Dashboard project will continue to grow and remove communication
barriers between police agencies. TPS and DRPS will also continue to partner and communicate with law
enforcement agencies across Ontario in an effort to help strengthen the overall bail system and expand this
initiative province-wide.
INVESTIGATIVE SERVICES
Investigative Services
Investigative Services is comprised of the Criminal Investigative Branch (CIB), Financial Crimes Unit
(FCU), Robbery Unit, and Human Trafficking Unit (HTU). The CIB offices, located in each Division,
handle investigations including shootings, sudden deaths, serious assaults, sexual assaults, missing persons,
arsons, and frauds. In 2022, CIB conducted several long-term projects and regularly supported our
Homicide Unit with their investigations.
CIB - Auto thefts
Since 2018 Durham Region has experienced a 193% growth in stolen vehicles. In 2018 there were 511
vehicles taken with average of 43 a month. In 2023 we averaged 29 a week or 125 a month. With theft of
motor vehicles, the trend over the next year into 2025, is anticipated that the total number of stolen in
Durham to exceed 1600 vehicles.
DRPS has worked to combat this issue with many successes in 2023. Investigative Services, with Criminal
Investigations and the Financial Crimes Unit, have been the driving force in these investigations. They are
intensive and require the coordination of mobile surveillance, tracking warrants, search warrants, witnesses,
and video provided by the public. Project KINGMAKER in East Division CIB targeted a group of criminals
stealing larger SUVs. After a five month period, four people were charged with 26 criminal offences. The
offences included fraudulent documents as well as a fake firearm.
Project LEEDS was led by the Financial Crimes Unit and focused on motor vehicles that were stolen in
Durham, but remained in Canada. It should be noted DRPS and partners estimate that almost 50% of all
vehicles stolen in Ontario stay in Canada as fraudulent or re-VIN’d vehicles. Project LEEDS identified
over 100 stolen vehicles with 40 vehicles recovered for a value exceeding $1.5 million. These recovered
vehicles were located from Nova Scotia to British Columbia.
In the fall of 2023, through a Provincial Auto Theft (PAT) Grant, DRPS received $900,000 from the
provincial government to start Project ATTIRE. This Project will centralize all stolen vehicle investigations
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in the region and coordinate all activities to combat this issue plaguing our community. Community
initiatives, education and working with our partner, Equite, will also be the responsibility of Project
ATTIRE.After a year of Project ATTIRE, DRPS will be doing an assessment of the impact of this Project,
and whether it should be part of the regular funding of the Service, when the Provincial Grant is concluded
in March 2026.
Theft of Motor Vehicle 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 *2024
Total TMV Occs 511 540 630 707 1103 1495 251
% Change Year over Year 6% 17% 12% 56% 36%
Monthly Average 43 45 53 59 92 125 126
Weekly Average 10 10 12 14 21 29 29
*2024 numbers are to the end of Feb.
Financial Crimes Unit
There were 3890 Fraud related occurrences reported in 2023, including both primary and secondary
offences. Compared to 2022, that is an increase of 24%. The Financial Crimes unit was assigned 449 new
occurrences to investigate. As a result, 77 arrests were made and 676 charges have been laid by the Financial
Crimes Unit.
Unit Highlights:
Detective Constable Laura Middleton was the first Runner Up winner of the 2023 IAFCI International Law
Enforcement Officer of the Year for her work investigating Grandparent Scams. She not only led this
investigation, but recognized this was a problem across the country and was instrumental in bringing
together investigators from across Canada to share information and assist each other in their investigations.
She progressively launched a partnership with other organizations to roll out a fraud prevention and
education initiative. Through this initiative, 211 Navigators received fraud prevention training, and are now
able to provide support, advice, and referral to anyone suspecting they may be a victim or target of fraud.
This is an amazing accomplishment as Laura has been chosen from multiple submissions throughout North
America.
211 Fraud Awareness Community Engagement Initiative
FCU working in cooperation with Victim Services successfully obtained funding for 30,000 Fraud
Awareness magnets, and two Fraud Awareness banners. Of special note, the banner is interactive and has
a QR Code that when scanned, will take the viewer to the Fraud Alert section on the DRPS website.
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The fundamental themes for this initiative are to engage the community, raise awareness of fraud, prevent
victimization, and address the needs of the vulnerable sector of the population within the Durham Region.
TWITTER CHAT #FraudChat @smarter_money
FCU members joined in the Ontario Securities Commission’s Investor Office initiative, Get Smart About
Money, to help people make informed financial decisions by partaking in Twitter conversations with
participants from law enforcement, regulatory partners and community and industry organizations.
March – Fraud Prevention Month – Social Media awareness
June – World Elder Abuse Awareness Day – Social Media Awareness
Robbery Unit
In 2023, the Robbery Unit investigated 45 commercial robberies and 14 carjacking’s involving a weapon.
That is up 2% compared to the previous year. The Robbery Unit also made 55 arrests and laid 309 charges
in 2023 for robbery occurrences reported in 2022 and 2023. Firearms were used in 29% of the Robberies
in 2023 and 61% of Carjacking’s involved the use of a weapon.
Unit Highlights:
In June 2023, Members of the Robbery Unit developed a presentation to be delivered to financial institution
employees. The presentation was designed to educate bank employees on what to do in the event of a
robbery. The presentation focused on methods to ensure safety of all employees and clients, as well as ways
to assist investigators with the investigations. Presentations and interaction with unit members was well
received, leading to requests from other financial institutions to receive the presentations.
Human Trafficking Unit / CARE
In 2023, the Human Trafficking Unit investigated 289 incidents that involved elements of human
trafficking. Of these incidents, 235 individuals (120 under 18 years of age) were assisted/provided services,
either due to their involvement in human trafficking or their risk of becoming involved in human trafficking-
related activity. As a result of these investigations, 138 charges were laid, and 81 accused/people of interest
were identified. Compared to 2022, this represents an 4% increase in investigations and a 4% increase in
victims.
Unit Highlights:
In July 2023, the Human Trafficking Unit released a HT Dashboard that is geared towards frontline
members. Frontline officers are typically the first point of contact with a victim and play a vital role in
identifying incidents of human trafficking as well as providing crucial information to the HTU. The
dashboard was created to keep members apprised of details related to ongoing investigations, in addition to
supplying information concerning potential officer safety concerns. The dashboard is posted to E-Parade
on a weekly basis and provides up-to-date information on our high-risk frequent missing people, at-risk
individuals, persons of interest, C.A.R.E. cases and HTU statistics. A table containing all past and present
C.A.R.E cases will allow frontline members, as well as members in other units, to see all individuals who
are either being actively monitored and supported by the HTU, or who have previously been active with
the Unit, but no longer need support/meet the threshold for involvement with the C.A.R.E. Unit.
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CRIME STOPPERS - HT SIGNS - Members of the DRPS CARE Team, in collaboration with Durham
Regional Crime Stoppers and the Region of Durham continued raising awareness about human trafficking
(HT) with new signage in Whitby and Oshawa.
Large signs have been installed along the 401 corridor on Consumers Drive in Whitby (Motel 6) and Bloor
Street West in Oshawa (Comfort Inn). These locations were selected as HT “hot spots” after an analysis of
HT incidents. Permanent signage was created in an effort to raise awareness about human trafficking, and
provide a constant reminder to all those traveling within these areas.
MONDAY NIGHT PROJECT
The Monday Night Project (MNP) was created by the HTU in March 2023. The MNP is a safe space drop-
in group, held biweekly for street sex workers (victims of sex trafficking and/or women at risk). The HTU
works collaboratively with the Region of Durham, CAREA, Victim Services of Durham Region and DUO
drop-in staff to provide the attendees with access to reporting of ‘bad dates’ and other offences, information
sharing, housing access, clothing, food and harm reduction.
Agencies involved: 16
Individuals: 152
Total Attendees: 265
Members from the Human Trafficking Unit also presented at the following conferences:
OSCE
April 18th, 2023– National Leadership to end Human Trafficking – Virtual Presentation
Spring and Winter 2023 - OSCE Training Conference– Netherlands and Iceland Presented at a 3-day
training on “Technology –facilitated trafficking in human beings” (Presenters from Canada - DRPS HT,
PPSC and RCMP)
OPC
Teaching on HT Course – 2023 – (HT investigators)
OASIS – Older Adult Support Investigative Services
In 2023 DRPS proactively responded to this change with the permanent establishment of the OASIS Unit.
This unit is focused on supporting the needs of older adults through collaboration with community partners.
Once the collaboration is established, investigators then focus on criminal code matters to reduce abuse
and/ or hold the abuser accountable, as appropriate. The unit is established with one detective and two
detective constables. The unit works closely with DRPS Mental Health Support Unit (MHSU, the Region
of Durham Social Worker, regulatory authorities including the RHRA and Ministry of Long-Term Care,
Investigations and Prosecution Unit, AG Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee, and other community
partners.
A key element of the unit mandate is awareness training for the public, interest groups, professionals and
police. This activity happens throughout the year in response from the host organization i.e., 2023- 93
presentation to audience total over 2,100. So far in 2024 there are 45 presentations scheduled.
CRIMINAL INTELLIGENCE BRANCH
The Criminal Intelligence Branch is an integral part of the Serious and Organized Crime Section and
underpins many investigations across the organization. Managed within the Intelligence Branch are support
units which include Surveillance teams, Warrant Liaison, Lawful Access and Information Management
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Units; these units are assigned on a priority basis and focused on prioritizing responses to the most serious
threats to public safety. Additionally, the Criminal Intelligence Branch manages information that is
collected, assessed, and disseminated to effectively embrace intelligence-led policing. Members of
enforcement teams utilize focused intelligence-led enforcement initiatives based on Threat
Assessment/Evidence.
Innovation and Modernization
The Technical Services Section (TSS) of the DRPS continues to strive to be at the forefront of the
modernization of Policing. TSS focused on three main components over the year, including; the creation of
the Covert Access Interception Team (CAIT), Increasing capabilities of the Lawful Access Unit (LA) and
acquiring new and innovative technology.
Through the creation of a CAIT unit the DRPS will continue to be leaders in investigative innovation;
providing the best service possible to our communities. With the use of the techniques available through
the development of CAIT we will ensure that investigative teams have the tools and resources in place to
gather evidence needed to prosecute those who engage in criminal activity. CAIT will directly support
every major investigation with options for solving more complex technical problems and advance the
capability of law enforcement in the area of lawful interception of private communication.
LA engages in advanced lawful interception and related investigative steps. With the ever changing and
advancements in technology LA has increased staffing and has acquired specialized training for its
members in order to maintain a high level of success and modernize the manner in which intercepted data
is obtained, ingested and processed for investigations and court processes. The increase in staffing and
training has a broad impact on the entire Police Service providing continuous skilled products such as
transcribing, Part VI monitoring, video review, subscriber database and training to sworn and civilian
members.
Through training and partnerships TSS has been able to continually advance the methods and techniques
employed to solve serious criminal offences. TSS has acquired advanced technological equipment that has
assists in collecting evidence. One example of this was the acquisition of the Cell Site Simulator (CSS).
The CSS is operated through the CAIT unit. The CSS has numerous applications, including identification
and locating devices. This will provide investigative benefits to the DRPS, but also have an impact on
community safety by using the CSS to locate the devices of missing or vulnerable persons in our
community. Intelligence Management Unit continues to work with investigators, creating and simplifying
disclosure obligations, while ensuring robust security is in place to protect intelligence materials.
Intelligence Operations Section (IOS)
IOS is responsible for the management and dissemination of information, the team works collaboratively
with all Provincial and Federal partners. The IOS team is responsible for the monitoring of social media
and leveraging technology to maximize community safety initiatives. In 2023 significant efforts were
placed to provide specialized training to Divisional members to alleviate the gap in intelligence gathering.
The allocation of secure computers, accompanied by training ensures the protection of tactics and DRPS
infrastructure. The use of OSINT computers and training will continue into 2024.
IOS is committed to supporting the community and our members in investigating hate-motivated incidents.
As a part of HCEIT (Hate Crime Extremism and Incident Team), an IOS liaison collaborates closely with
18 police services across Ontario, ensuring smooth information exchange and offering assistance where
necessary in ongoing investigations. IOS takes an active role in divisional parades, providing crucial
training on hate crime investigations and tracking. Offering support to members in hate-related
investigations by carefully reviewing each report and providing constructive feedback, providing necessary
resources such as training opportunities, credited courses, and access to conferences. IOS is working on
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developing a template to assist the service and frontline members in inputting and retrieving information,
providing more detailed and accurate reports. This template will assist in the tracking and reporting of hate-
related incidents.
Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU)
The Criminal Intelligence Branch continued to focus on traffickers and criminal networks responsible for
the distribution and importation of controlled substances primarily fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, and
methamphetamine. The networks identified are often embedded in communities across the province, and
through the use of intelligence and open communication, the team ensures a collaborative global response.
In 2023 the DEU received considerable financial support from Provincial partners running projects Verdin
Pandora and Econoline. As a result of these 3 projects investigators seized controlled substances with a
street value of more than 9 million dollars the primary commodities being cocaine and fentanyl. These
projects would not be possible without the funding provided by CISO and our external partner agencies.
DEU members routinely provide presentations to police and non-police audiences across the province. This
includes regular presentations on best practices during opioid investigations to aspiring drug officers at the
Ontario Police College, and educating Durham Region EMS employees on street level opioid trends.
The Intelligence Branch has been tracking the overdose/sudden death rates relating to opioid abuse
(including illicit fentanyl and heroin) since 2014. Partners in this practice include the Drug Enforcement
Unit, Investigative Services, and Forensic Investigative Services. These statistics have been used in a
number of educational and awareness presentations to inform our health care officials, emergency services
personnel, the judiciary, and the general public on the status of the opioid health crisis and the dangers of
Fentanyl.
According to the Durham Region Opioid Information System (DROIS), RDPS responded to an increasing
number of suspected opioid overdose calls for service every year from 2017 until hitting a peak in 2021.
Annual call volume dropped in 2022, which continued through the first quarter of 2023. However, by mid-
May in 2023 weekly call volume began steadily increasing and hit a monthly high in December. This
contributed to the overall annual call volume being 25% higher in 2023 than in 2022. This trend has
continued into 2024; during the first two months of the year, RDPS calls for service have been 90% higher
than the same time last year, and have also surpassed the high call volumes experienced in 2021 by 50%
The number of overdose-related deaths investigated by DRPS also peaked in 2021, at 132 cases. Of those,
115 fatalities were attributed to opioid overdose, 107 of which were Fentanyl-related. In 2022, DRPS
investigated 82 drug overdose-related deaths, 60 of which were confirmed as opioid-related. Toxicology
results from 2023 investigations are still being compiled. So far 35 deaths have been confirmed as drug
overdoses in 2023, 32 of which were Fentanyl-related.
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The emergence of substances such as Benzodiazepines, Sedatives and Nitazenes have served to further
contaminate the street level fentanyl supply and has contributed to overdose death rates across Canada, as
these substances are not counteracted by Naloxone.
The Benzodiazepine trend is mirrored in
opioid drug fatalities in Durham Region. The
proportion of fatal opioid overdoses where
toxicology reports show a presence of
Benzodiazepine in the blood have increased
significantly since 2018 when there was only
one instance. Since then, Benzodiazepines
have been present in 31% of deaths in 2020
and 70% of deaths in 2021. In the 60
confirmed opioid overdoses in 2022, 29
contained a Benzodiazepine (48%). In 2023,
Bromazolam was detected in 28 of the 35
confirmed opioid overdose deaths (80%)
Members are embedded within the Drug
Treatment Court and collaborate with the treatment team to reduce recidivism and promote the recovery of
the participant. The police liaison officer performs a vital role which ensures the integrity of the program.
By doing background checks on potential referrals police are able to prevent traffickers from entering the
program and avoiding accountability while keeping the resources available for those who struggle with
addiction. Additionally, by consistently monitoring the participants, the liaison officer identifies high risk
situations which could impede their recovery and keeps the accountable to the court. Participating on the
Opioid Task Force officers work with a diverse cross-section of community partners; including treatment
providers, harm-reduction workers, public health and Ontario Tech University to develop strategies to
address the opioid crisis. DRPS members recently undertook preparing a process map illustrating the variety
of arrest circumstances to identify where treatment interventions and referrals could be made. This led to
the circulation of information regarding PCOP so officers who release someone on the street or from cells
could (on consent) share contact information with PCOP as a gateway to treatment services.
Gun and Gang Unit
The Gun and Gang Unit has developed a strong knowledge and understanding of the current Privately Made
Firearm (PMF) market. In addition to being involved in a variety of different PMF cases the unit has
purchased a 3D printer and continues to be involved in creating and testing firearm parts. This expanding
and ever-changing market provides illicit firearm owners with very stable firearms that are untraceable to
law enforcement. Investigators have shared their knowledge of this market with members of law
enforcement nationally through our membership in the Provincial Expert Advisory Committee on
Organized Crime (PEACOC) and provincially on the Firearms Verification and Gun and Gang Investigator
courses hosted through the Ontario Police College.
Education and mentorship have continued to be a priority for the Criminal Intelligence Branch. Members
of the Gun and Gang Unit continued to provide training related to firearm and street gang trends on a variety
of courses to front line and investigative members. Additionally support, guidance and mentorship
continued with uniform members, community resource teams, criminal investigative bureaus and the
homicide unit. Members of the Gun and Gang Unit regularly assist with shooting investigations and the
0
20
40
60
80
100
2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023
%
Year
Proportion of Opioid Overdose Fatalities
With Presence of a Benzodiazepine
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seizure of authorized and unauthorized firearms by providing recourses and sharing valuable knowledge
about best practices and common law changes.
In 2023, the Gun and Gang unit continued to develop and expand the Gang Liaison Officer program that is
funded with the Community Safety and Policing Grant. This program has created additional training
opportunities that increase awareness around gun and gang related activities and gang prevention in our
youth. In 2024 training will be provided to an approximately 40 front line members. Relationships between
front line patrol, school liaison officer, Crown Attorneys, Probation and Parole Services, and other
stakeholders have continued to be developed to ensure successful prosecutions and appropriate custodial
sentences upon conviction, as well as managing rehabilitation and prevention efforts. This support and
mentorship provide a strong commitment to community safety by increasing knowledge and confidence
across the police service, thereby improving the service they provide to our communities.
Although there was a decrease (22%) in the number of crime guns seized by DRPS in 2023 compared to
the previous year, the number of seizures remained high compared to the average over the last 5 years
(increase of 17%). There were 32 Firearm Discharges/Shootings in 2023 which was consistent with
numbers from 2022. Victims decreased by 58% with non-fatal injuries from shootings decreasing from 26
victims in 2022 to 7 victims in 2023. The number of homicide victims from shootings increased by 25%
from five in 2022 to six in 2023.
CONCLUSION
The activities and lessons learned from our decades of community policing experience are inventoried and
maintained in order to inform future initiatives and to develop our newest leaders. Furthermore, the support
of our Strategy, Research and Organization Performance Unit ensures that we use evidence-based
approaches in our decision-making and in the evaluation of our results.
Sir Robert Peel wrote, “The police are the public and the public are the police”. We recognize that our
strength comes from our community and its members. We strive to work with each community to ensure
that Durham Region has the safest community in which to live, work and play. The DRPS is exceptionally
proud of our community policing results and appreciates the strong engagement of the communities we
serve.
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Report Approval Details
Document Title: Community Policing Version 2.docx
Attachments:
Final Approval Date: Apr 4, 2024
This report and all of its attachments were approved and signed as outlined below:
Peter MOREIRA
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TOWN OF AJAX
65 Harwood Avenue South
Ajax ON L1S 3S9 www.ajax.ca
_______________________________________________________________________________
The Right Honorable Justin Trudeau Prime Minister of Canada House of Commons Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1A 0A6
justin.trudeau@parl.gc.ca Sent by E-Mail
April 17, 2024
Re: Increasing the Number of Judges in Ontario and Canada
The following resolution was passed by Ajax Town Council at its meeting held on April 15, 2024: WHEREAS judges are appointed exclusively by the Federal and Provincial governments;
AND WHEREAS R. v. Jordan, 2016 established the need for a new framework for applying s.11(b) of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which states that “Any person
charged with an offence has the right to be tried within a reasonable time”; AND WHEREAS there currently exists a deficit of judges in the Province of Ontario and in the Region of Durham; AND WHEREAS a deficit of judges denies the public access to justice and results in cases being thrown out without being tried, including tens of thousands of traffic cases in Durham Region alone; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:
1. THAT The Town of Ajax calls on the Federal and Provincial governments to fulfil their responsibilities to appoint enough judges and justices of the peace to provide timely and complete access to justice;
2. AND THAT a copy of this motion be provided to The Prime Minister of Canada, The Premier of Ontario, The Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, The Attorney General of Ontario, Members of Provincial Parliament representing the Region of Durham, Members of Parliament representing the Region of Durham, The Region of Durham, Lower-tier municipalities in Durham Region and the Association of Municipalities of Ontario. CARRIED
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If you require further information please contact me at 905-619-2529 ext. 3342 or
Jason.McWilliam@ajax.ca.
Sincerely,
Jason McWilliam
Manager of Legislative Services/Deputy Clerk
Copy: Regional Councillor S. Lee
Councillor N. Henry
Hon. Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario Hon. Arif Virani, The Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Hon. Doug Downey, The Attorney General of Ontario Members of Provincial Parliament representing the Region of Durham Members of Parliament representing the Region of Durham The Region of Durham All Durham Region municipalities Association of Municipalities of Ontario
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otlLq
o€F
The Corporation of the Municipality of St. Charles- RESOLUTION PAGE
Regular Meeting of Council
{genda Number: 8.8.
Resolution Number 2024-076
Title:
Date
Resolution stemming from February 21,2024 Regular Meeting of Council - ltem
1 0. 1 - Correspondence #27
March 20,2024
Moved by:
Seconded by:
Councillor Pothier
Councillor Loftus
BE lT RESOLVED THAT Council for the Gorporation of the Municipality of St.-Charles hereby supports
the Resolution passed by the Gorporation of the City of Samia on January 15, 2024i and the support
resolution passed by the Corporation of the Town of Plympton-\rltloming on February 14, 2024,
regarding Garbon Tax;
AND BE lF FURTHER RESOLVED THAT a copy of this Resolution be sent to Prime Minister, Justin
Trudeau; Premier Doug Ford; the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO); our local Member of
Parliament (MP); our local Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP); and all Ontario Municipalities.
CARRIED
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546 Niagara Street, PO Box 250 | Wyoming, ON, N0N 1T0 | 519-845-3939 | www.plympton-wyoming.com
The Right Honourable Justin Trudeau
Prime Minister of Canada
80 Wellington Street
Ottawa, ON K1A 0A2
Justin.trudeau@parl.gc.ca
(sent via e-mail)
February 15th, 2024
Re: Carbon Tax
Please be advised that the Council of the Town of Plympton-Wyoming, at its meeting on February
14th, 2024, passed the following motion supporting the resolution from the City of Sarnia regarding
Carbon Tax.
Motion #12
Moved by Councillor John van Klaveren
Seconded by Councillor Mike Vasey
That Council support correspondence item ‘o’ from the City of Sarnia regarding Carbon Tax.
Carried.
If you have any questions regarding the above motion, please do not hesitate to contact me by phone
or email at eflynn@plympton-wyoming.ca.
Sincerely,
Ella Flynn
Executive Assistant – Deputy Clerk
Town of Plympton-Wyoming
Cc: All Ontario municipalities
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THE CORPORATION OF THE CITY OF SARNIA
City Clerk’s Department
255 Christina Street N. PO Box 3018
Sarnia ON Canada N7T 7N2
519-332-0330 (phone) 519-332-3995 (fax)
519-332-2664 (TTY)
www.sarnia.ca clerks@sarnia.ca
January 19, 2024
The Right Honourable Justin Trudeau
Prime Minister of Canada
80 Wellington Street
Ottawa, ON K1A 0A2
Justin.trudeau@parl.gc.ca
Dear Prime Minister:
Re: Carbon Tax
At its meeting held on January 15, 2024, Sarnia City Council adopted the
following resolution:
Whereas the federal government recently increased the carbon tax
in April 2023 and will almost triple it by 2030; and
Whereas the Parliamentary Budget officer has admitted that when
fiscal and economic impacts of the federal fuel charge are
considered that the vast majority of households will see a
staggering loss; and
Whereas this tax flows through from producers to transporters to
the grocery store floor for our citizens; and
Whereas this tax does very little to reduce pollution and emissions;
and
Whereas two thirds of Canadians are approximately $200 away or
less from not being able to pay all their bills at the end of the
month; and
Therefore, be it resolved that Sarnia City Council write a Letter to
the Federal government (and copied to other Municipalities for their
consideration) strongly urging them to cancel the
carbon tax which is financially hurting our citizens at a time
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when affordability concerns are at an all-time high to ease the
financial and inflationary pressure on our Citizens.
Your consideration of this request is respectfully requested.
Yours Sincerely,
Amy Burkhart
City Clerk
cc: All Ontario Municipalities
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The Corporation of the Municipality of Wawa
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
RESOLUTION
This document is available in alternate formats.
Tuesday, April 16, 2024
Resolution # RC24087 Meeting Order: 10
Moved by:
Seconded by:
WHEREAS the Accessibility for Ontarians With Disabilities Act (AODA) is ground-
breaking legislation, created to help people with disabilities fully participate in society,
bring them to the table in crafting regulations, and build mechanisms to enforce
standards;
AND WHEREAS Rich Donovan, an expert in accessibility issues, was appointed as the
Independent Reviewer of the Act in 2022, and in his 2023 legislative review declared a
crisis as a necessary catalyst to get Ontario back on track for accessibility;
AND WHEREAS at least 2.9 million Ontarians currently live with a disability,
representing at least 22% of the consumer base and the workforce, but due to barriers,
Ontarians with disabilities are too often falling short of their full potential;
AND WHEREAS the AODA aims to develop, implement and enforce standards related
to goods, services, accommodation, employment and buildings before Jan. 1, 2025, and
municipalities, as the level of government closest to the people are at the front lines,
developing, implementing and enforcing these standards without meaningful guidance
on its implementation and/or enforcement by the Province;
AND WHEREAS people with disabilities and advocates, note the slow pace of current
and previous Ontario governments in implementing the AODA and there are growing
concerns there will be no renewed push to keep accessibility issues at the forefront after
2025;
AND WHEREAS the Municipality of Wawa is dedicated and committed to creating a
welcoming environment so that all people may have equitable access to programs,
goods, services and facilities, but making investments to achieve the AODA standards
has been challenging given the lack of consistent and stable funding for municipalities to
remove accessibility barriers;
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The Corporation of the Municipality of Wawa
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
RESOLUTION
MAYOR MELANIE PILON CLERK
This document is available in alternate formats.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Corporation of the Municipality of Wawa
Council strongly encourages action on the part of the Provincial Government to urgently:
a) create a "Municipal Accessibility Fund" for municipalities to develop, implement
and enforce AODA standards related to goods, services, accommodation,
employment and buildings. Such a fund could be modelled after the Canada
Community-Building Fund or the Ontario Cannabis Legalization Implementation
Fund on a per household basis;
b) to commit to working with municipalities to implement the Donovan Review
immediate crisis recommendations;
AND FURTHER THAT that a copy of this resolution be sent to the Minister of Seniors
and Accessibility, the Premier of Ontario, the Minister of Seniors and Accessibility, the
Minister of Children, Community, and Social Services, the Minister of Health, the
Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, the
Association of Municipalities of Ontario, and the Eastern Ontario Wardens Caucus, and
all Ontario Municipalities.
RESOLUTION RESULT RECORDED VOTE
CARRIED MAYOR AND COUNCIL YES NO
DEFEATED Mitch Hatfield
TABLED Cathy Cannon
RECORDED VOTE (SEE RIGHT) Melanie Pilon
PECUNIARY INTEREST DECLARED Jim Hoffmann
WITHDRAWN Joseph Opato
Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest and the general nature thereof.
Disclosed the pecuniary interest and general name thereof and abstained from the discussion, vote
and influence.
Clerk:
Page 50
otlLo
Vas -
The Corporation of the Municipalityof St. Charles
RESOLUTION PAGE
Regular Meeting of Gouncil
{genda Number: 8.3.
Resolution Number 2024-071
Tifle:
Date:
Resolution stemming from February 21, 2024 Regular Meeting of Council - ltem
10.1 - Correspondence #8
March 20,2024
Moved by:
Seconded by:
Councillor Pothier
Councillor Laframboise
BE lT RESOLVED THAT Council for the Corporation of the Municipality of St.-Gharles hereby supports
the Resolution passed by Public Health Sudbury & Districts on January 18,2024, regarding household
food insecurity;
AND BE lF FURTHER RESOLVED THAT a copy of this Resolution be sent to Premier Doug Ford;
Minister of Children, Gommunity and Social Services, Michael Parsaco; Minister of Finance, Peter
Bethlenfalvy; Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Paul Galandra; Deputy Premier and Mihister of
Health, Sylvia Jones; the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AIttO); our local Member of Provincial
Parliament (MPP); and all Ontario Municipalities.
CARRIED
AYOR
Page 51
January 24, 2024
VIA ELECTRONIC MAIL
The Honourable Doug Ford
Premier of Ontario
Legislative Building, Queen’s Park
Toronto, ON M7A 1A1
Dear Recipient:
Re: Household Food Insecurity
At its meeting on January 18, 2024, the Board of Health carried the following
resolution #06-24:
WHEREAS food security is a chronic and worsening health issue as
documented by annual local data on food affordability and as
recognized by multiple Association of Local Public Health Agencies
(alPHa) resolutions: AO5-18 (Adequate Nutrition for Ontario Works and
Ontario Disability Support Program), A18-02 (Minimum Wage that is a
Living Wage), A15-04 (Basic Income Guarantee), and A23-05
(Monitoring Food Affordability in Ontario and the Inadequacy of Social
Assistance Rates)
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Health for Public Health
Sudbury & Districts call on the provincial government to incorporate
local food affordability findings in determining adequacy of social
assistance rates to reflect the current costs of living and to index
Ontario Works rates to inflation going forward; and
THAT in the context of the Public Health Strengthening roles and
responsibilities deliberations, the Board of Health urge all health system
partners to remain committed to population health assessment and
surveillance as it relates to monitoring food environments and,
specifically, to monitoring food affordability; and share this motion
broadly with local and provincial stakeholders.
Page 52
Letter
Re: Household Food Insecurity
January 24, 2024
Page 2
Household food insecurity is one of the strongest predictors of poor health, making it a
serious public health issue (PROOF, 2023). Individuals who are food insecure are at higher
risk of diet-related diseases like diabetes and are at higher risk for a wide range of chronic
conditions such as depression and anxiety disorders, arthritis, and chronic pain. Household
food insecurity leaves an indelible mark on children’s health and well-being (PROOF, 2023).
The experience of food insecurity in childhood is associated with mental health concerns
throughout childhood and into early adulthood (PROOF, 2023). In Ontario, the healthcare
costs of individuals who are the most food insecure can be more than double that of
individuals who are food secure (PROOF, 2023, Tarasuk et al., 2015).
Thank you for your attention to this important issue – the solutions for which will not only
help many Ontarians in need but also protect the sustainability of our critical health and
social services resources.
Sincerely,
Penny Sutcliffe, MD, MHSc, FRCPC
Medical Officer of Health and Chief Executive Officer
cc: Honourable Michael Parsa, Minister of Children, Community and Social Services
Honourable Peter Bthlenfalvy, Ministry of Finance
Honourable Paul Calandra, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing
Honourable Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health
France Gélinas, Member of Provincial Parliament, Nickel Belt
Jamie West, Member of Provincial Parliament, Sudbury
Michael Mantha, Member of Provincial Parliament, Algoma-Manitoulin
Dr. Kieran Moore, Chief Medical Officer of Health
Jacqueline Edwards and Jennifer Babin-Fenske, Co-chairs, Greater Sudbury Food
Policy Council
Richard Lathwell, Local Food Manitoulin
Colleen Hill, Executive Director, Manitoulin Family Resources
All Ontario Boards of Health
Association of Local Public Health Agencies
Page 53
Letter
Re: Household Food Insecurity
January 24, 2024
Page 2
PROOF (2023). What are the implications of food insecurity for health and health care? Identifying
Policy Options to Reduce Household Food Insecurity in Canada. Retrieved from:
https://proof.utoronto.ca/food-insecurity/what-are-the-implications-of-food-insecurity-for-health-
andhealth-care/
Tarasuk, V., Cheng, J., de Oliveira, C., Dachner, N., Gundersen, C., Kurdyak, P. (2015. Association
between household food insecurity and annual healthcare costs. Canadian Medical Association
Journal. 1 87 (14) E429-E436. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1503/cmaj.150234
Page 54
500 George Street North, Peterborough, ON, K9H 3R9
April 11, 2024
Hon. Paul Calandra
Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing
via Email:
minister.mah@ontario.ca
Re: Jurisdiction of Ontario’s Ombudsman
The following resolution, adopted by City Council at their meeting on April 8, 2024, is
forwarded for your information and necessary action.
That Council approve the recommendations outlined in Report LSOCS24-005, dated April 2,
2024 of the Commissioner, Legislative Services, as follows:
a) That the Honourable Paul Calandra, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, be
requested to introduce a Bill to amend the Ombudsman Act to require the Ontario
Ombudsman to provide to each municipality, if requested by the municipality, sufficient
particulars of each investigation, matter or case respecting the municipality that is
referred to in each of the Ombudsman’s Annual Reports to permit the municipality to
fully understand and address the subject matter of each such investigation, matter or
case including:
i) a copy of each complaint, as applicable, redacted only to the extent of individuals’
personal information contained therein;
ii) the identities of the municipality’s employees, officers and members of Council with
whom the Ombudsman was consulting in respect of the investigation, matter or
case; and
iii) particulars of the outcome of the investigation, matter or case including the
Ombudsman’s findings, conclusions and recommendations, if any.
b) That the City Clerk forward Council’s resolutions resulting from Council’s approval of
these recommendations to Minister Calandra, MPP David Smith, the Association of
Municipalities of Ontario and to the municipal Clerks of Ontario’s municipalities.
Page 55
Sincerely,
J. Kennedy
John Kennedy, City Clerk
cc: David Smith, MPP
Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO)
All Ontario Municipalities
Page 56
April 16, 2024
Conservation Authorities and Natural Hazards Section Ministry of Natural Resources and
Forestry – RPDPB By E-mail: ca.office@ontario.ca Matthew Rae
MPP for Perth-Wellington
By E-mail: matthew.rae@pc.ola.org RE: Conservation Authorities Act
Please note that in response to the attached Ministry of Natural Resources and
Forestry’s proposal “Regulation detailing new Minister’s Permit and Review powers under the Conservation Authorities Act” on April 5, 2024, Council of the Municipality of West Perth at its Regular Council Meeting held on April 15, 2024, passed the following resolution:
RESOLUTION: 122/24 Moved By: Councillor Trentowsky
Seconded by: Councillor Duck
CARRIED “That the Council for the Municipality of West Perth recommends to the province that
any proposed changes contemplated by the province be put on hold until such time that
the planning statement is finalized by the province and communicated to the municipalities and that this motion be circulated to the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) All Ontario Municipalities for support.”
If you require further information, please do not hesitate to contact the Clerk’s
Department.
Page 57
Daniel Hobson
Manager of Legislative Services/Clerk
Municipality of West Perth
cc: Matthew Rae, MPP for Perth-Wellington Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) All Ontario Municipalities
Page 58
Environmental Registry of Ontario
ERO (Environmental
Registry of Ontario)
number
019-8320
Notice type Regulation
Act Conservation Authorities Act, R.S.O. 1990
Posted by Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry
Notice stage Proposal
Proposal posted April 5, 2024
Comment period April 5, 2024 - May 6, 2024 (31 days) Open
Last updated April 5, 2024
This consultation closes at 11:59 p.m.
on:
May 6, 2024
Proposal summary
We are proposing a regulation specifying the circumstances
under which the Minister may issue an order to prevent a
conservation authority from making a permitting decision
and make the permitting decision in the place of a
conservation authority or may undertake a review of a
conservation authority permitting decision.
Proposal
details
Conservation authorities regulate development and other activities through a
permitting process under the Conservation Authorities Act for the purposes of
natural hazard management and to protect people and property from natural
hazards, such as ooding and erosion. Each conservation authority implements
the permitting framework based on provincial legislation, regulatory
Regulation detailing new Minister’s Permit and
Review powers under the Conservation Authorities
Act.
Page 59
requirements, and technical standards, as well as conservation authority
board-approved policies that outline how the conservation authority
administers regulations locally.
Recently proclaimed provisions in the Conservation Authorities Act and
associated regulations came into e ect on April 1, 2024, including new powers
for the Minister to 1) issue an order to prevent a conservation authority from
issuing a permit and to take over the permitting process in the place of a
conservation authority, and 2) review a conservation authority permit decision
at the request of the applicant.
The Ministry is proposing a regulation which would set out the circumstances
under which these powers could be used. If the regulation is approved, public
guidance would be made available on the criteria and processes outlined in the
regulation.
1. Permits issued by the Minister
Existing requirements under the Conservation Authorities Act regarding
permits issued by the Minister under section 28.1.1 include:
The Minister may issue an order directing a conservation authority not
to issue a permit to a speci c individual to engage in a speci ed activity,
or to persons who may wish to engage in a certain type or class of
activity, that would be prohibited under section 28 without a permit.
The Minister’s decision to issue an order is discretionary, and it may be
issued either before or after an application for a permit has been
submitted to the relevant conservation authority.
Notice of any order must be provided to a ected conservation
authorities, any person who applied for the permit in question prior to
the order and be posted on the Environmental Registry of Ontario (ERO
(Environmental Registry of Ontario)) within 30-days.
If an order made, the Minister has the power to issue a permit in place
of the conservation authority. When making a permitting decision, the
Minister is required to satisfy the same criteria concerning natural
hazards and public safety that are considered by conservation
authorities. This includes whether the activity is likely to a ect the
control of ooding, erosion, dynamic beaches or unstable soil or
Page 60
bedrock. It also must consider whether the activity is likely to create
conditions or circumstances that, in the event of a natural hazard, might
jeopardize the health or safety of persons or result in the damage or
destruction of property.
The Minister may refuse the permit or issue a permit subject to such
conditions as the Minister determines are appropriate.
Proposed additional requirements that would be set out in
regulation include:
The Minister may make an order to prevent a conservation authority
from making a permitting decision and take over the permitting process
only if the development activity or type or class of permits pertains to or
supports a speci ed provincial interest, including:
Housing (community, a ordable and market-based)
Community services (health, long-term care, education, recreation
socio-cultural, security and safety, environment)
Transportation infrastructure
Buildings that facilitate economic development or employment
Mixed use developments
If a proponent wishes to petition the Minister to issue an order, the
proponent must submit a request to the Minister that would
include information on:
Overview of proposed development.
Why the Minister’s involvement is requested (e.g., development of
provincial interest, timing/urgency; permitting process to date if
applicable; other barriers) and preferable to the standard process in
the Conservation Authorities Act.
Indication of whether the local municipality has endorsed the project
and the request for Minister’s involvement (e.g., by municipal letter or
resolution).
Status of other required project approvals including the extent of any
engagement with the conservation authority in the permitting process
that the applicant has had to date.
Page 61
2. Permits reviewed by the Minister
Existing requirements under the Conservation Authorities Act relating to
requests for review under section 28.1.2 regarding permits where there is an
order made by the Minister of Municipal A airs and Housing under section
34.1 or 47 of the Planning Act and section 28.1 regarding all other conservation
authority permits include:
An applicant who has been refused a permit or had conditions attached
to a permit by a conservation authority to which the applicant objects
can, within 15-days of receiving reasons for the authority’s decision,
submit a request to the Minister for the Minister to review the
authority’s decision. Alternatively, an applicant also has the option to
appeal the authority’s decision to the Ontario Land Tribunal.
After receiving a request, the Minister has 30-days in which to decide
whether or not they intend to conduct a review. If the Minister decides
to conduct the review. a notice shall be posted on the ERO
(Environmental Registry of Ontario) within 30-days of a reply indicating
the Minister intends to review the decision by the authority. If the
Minister does not reply within 30-days of the request, this is deemed to
indicate that the Minister does not intend to conduct a review.
After conducting a review, the Minister may con rm or vary the
authority’s decision or make any decision that the Minister considers
appropriate, including issuing the permit subject to conditions.
The Minister is required to base the decision on same criteria concerning
natural hazards and public safety that are considered by conservation
authorities. This includes whether the activity is likely to a ect the
control of ooding, erosion, dynamic beaches or unstable soil or
bedrock. It also must consider whether the activity is likely to create
conditions or circumstances that, in the event of a natural hazard, might
jeopardize the health or safety of persons or result in the damage or
destruction of property.
Proposed additional requirements that would be set out in
regulation include:
The Minister may conduct a review of a conservation authority permit
decision only if the development activity pertains to or supports a
development of speci ed provincial interest, including:
Housing (community, a ordable and market-based)Page 62
Community services (health, long-term care, education, recreation
socio-cultural, security and safety, environment)
Transportation infrastructure
Buildings that facilitate economic development or employment
Mixed use developments
Note: This criteria would not apply to permit reviews under section 28.1.2
regarding permits where there is an order made by the Minister of Municipal
A airs and Housing under section 34.1 or 47 of the Planning Act.
The request submitted to the Minister for a review would
include information on:
Overview of proposed development.
If the request relates to conditions imposed by the conservation
authority to which the applicant objects, identi cation of the speci c
conditions that are subject to the request for review, the changes
requested to the conditions and the rationale in support of the
requested changes.
If the request relates to an authority’s decision to refuse a permit, the
rationale in support of requesting that the Minister varies the decision
and issues the permit.
Why the Minister’s involvement is requested (e.g., development of
provincial interest, timing/urgency; permitting process to date; other
barriers) and preferable to alternative mechanisms in the
Conservation Authorities Act.
Indication of whether the local municipality has endorsed the
project and/or the request for Minister’s involvement (e.g., by
municipal letter or resolution).
Status of other required project approvals.
Regulatory impact analysis
By clearly communicating the circumstances under which the Minister would
consider whether to issue an order to prevent a conservation authority from
making a permitting decision and to make permitting decisions in place of a
conservation authority or to review a conservation authority permitting
decision, this proposal would ensure that development proponents pursue the
appropriate permitting channel. E ciently navigating the permitting process is
Page 63
expected to help save proponents time and resources. We expect that there
will be some minor administrative costs for development proponents based on
the time needed to learn about and understand the proposed changes.
Supporting
materials
MNRF - RPDPB - Resources Development Section
300 Water Steet
2nd Floor South
Peterborough, ON
K9J 3C7
Canada
Conservation Authorities Act
(https://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/90c27#BK43)
O. Reg. 41/24: Prohibited Activities, Exemptions and Permits
(https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/240041)
View materials in person
Some supporting materials may not be available online. If this is the case, you
can request to view the materials in person.
Get in touch with the o ce listed below to nd out if materials are available.
Comment Let us know what you think of our proposal.
Have questions? Get in touch with the contact person below. Please include the
ERO (Environmental Registry of Ontario) number for this notice in your email or
letter to the contact.
Read our commenting and privacy policies. (/page/commenting-privacy)
Related links
Page 64
Submit by mail
Conservation Authorities and
Natural Hazards Section
Ministry of Natural Resources and
Forestry - RPDPB
300 Water Street
2nd Floor South Tower
Peterborough, ON
K9J 3C7
Canada
Connect with
us Contact
Conservation Authorities and
Natural Hazards Section
ca.o ce@ontario.ca
Page 65
Office of the Warden, C.A.O. & Clerk
Hastings County
235 Pinnacle St. Postal Bag 4400,
Belleville ON K8N 3A9
Tel: (613) 966-1311
Fax: (613) 966-2574
www.hastingscounty.com
April 17, 2024
Honourable Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario Premier of Ontario Legislative Building Queen's Park
Toronto ON M7A 1A1
Delivered via email doug.fordco@pc.ola.org premier@ontario.ca
RE: Hastings County Motion regarding sustainable infrastructure funding for small rural
municipalities
Please be advised that Hastings County Council, at its meeting held on March 28, 2024,
passed the following resolution:
WHEREAS Ontario’s small rural municipalities face insurmountable challenges to fund
both upfront investments and ongoing maintenance of their capital assets including
roads and bridges and water wastewater and municipally owned buildings including
recreational facilities and libraries;
WHEREAS in 2018, the Ontario government mandated all Ontario municipalities to
develop capital asset management plans with the stipulation that they be considered in
the development of the annual budget;
WHEREAS small rural municipalities (of 10,000 people or less) are facing monumental
infrastructure deficits that cannot be adequately addressed through property tax
revenue alone;
WHEREAS the only application approved through the recently awarded Housing
Accelerator Fund to a small rural municipality was to Marathon Ontario, who received
an allocation of $1.9 million dollars while over $1.369 billion going to Ontario’s large
urban centres, resulting in a 0.2% investment in rural Ontario;
Page 66
WHEREAS the Ontario Government has committed $9.1 billion to Toronto alone to
assist with operating deficits and the repatriation of the Don Valley and Gardner
Expressway;
WHEREAS small rural Ontario cannot keep pace with the capital investments required
over the next 20 years unless both the Provincial and Federal Governments come
forward with new sustainable infrastructure funding;
WHEREAS it is apparent that both the Federal and Ontario Governments have
neglected to recognize the needs of small rural Ontario;
NOW THERFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Hastings County call on the Ontario and
Federal Government to implement sustainable infrastructure funding for small rural
municipalities;
AND THAT small rural municipalities are not overlooked and disregarded on future
applications for funding;
AND THAT both the Federal and Ontario Governments begin by acknowledging that
there is an insurmountable debt facing small rural municipalities;
AND THAT both the Federal and Ontario Governments immediately commission a
Working Group that includes a member of the Eastern Ontario Wardens Caucus, to
develop a plan on how to deal with the impending debt dilemma;
AND FINALLY THAT this resolution be forwarded to The Honourable Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada, The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing,
Infrastructure and Communities of Canada; Michel Tremblay Acting President and CEO,
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation; The Honourable Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario; The Honourable Kinga Surma, Ontario Minister of Infrastructure; The Honourable Paul Calandra, Ontario Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing; MP Shelby Kramp-Neuman, Hastings-Lennox Addington; MPP Ric Bresee Hastings-Lennox
Addington, AMO, ROMA, FCM, Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus and all Municipalities
in Ontario.
If you have any questions regarding the above motion, please do not hesitate to contact me directly.
Sincerely,
Cathy Bradley
Director of Legislative Services
Page 67