Bracebridge has had a significant increase in policing in the past few months.
Increased police presence in the Town of Bracebridge
Bracebridge General Committee were updated about the increase in policing over the past few months, in the October 1, 2024, meeting.
Inspector, Detachment Commander, of the OPP Detachment, Wade Beebe, advised Committee that between June 1st to August 31 the detachment has put in 753 hours in patrol time. Their presence includes 149 hours of foot patrol, 111 hours in community events, in addition to the ongoing focused and cruiser patrols.
He explained that this is because the detachment has been operating at full staff levels since last year, thanks to “almost 15 new officers.” The detachment is also expecting 3 more recruits in November, and another in December.
He clarified that the additional staff are temporary replacements for those that are currently off for issues such as sick leave. However, they will also be getting new officers over the next 5 to 7 years.
“We’re going to be in a very good staffing point to continue with these proactive patrols and proactive initiatives and allowing us to be more present in the communities, which will continue into the New Year,” said Beebe.
He also advised that the OPP has seen success in their initiatives, such as the Mental Health Response Team Program (MHRTP), which started last January. The program resulted in less people needing the hospital thanks to the intervention with a crisis worker collaborating with the police.
He added that this is a provincial grant funded program, and they’re currently waiting to find out whether they’ll be approved for another three years.
They also implemented the Foot and Bicycle Patrol Program, to increase the police presence, which has had a positive impact in the community, advised Beebe.
He indicated that other initiatives include marine patrol, and snowmobile patrol this winter.
He also advised the Committee that the old building they occupied in 1958 will be replaced soon. He said, “We are well on our way to shovels in the ground for 2026.”
Committee members indicated that they’ve noticed the increase in police presence in the Town, and also inquired about how they’re managing issues such as speeding and cars passing school buses with the stop arms out.
Beebe advised that they rely on data to show where monitoring is needed for speeding, and they investigate areas they receive complaints about to determine if more enforcement is required in those areas.
The OPP has also been diligent in their campaigns to create awareness about school bus safety and the importance of vehicles stopping for school buses with the stop sign out indicated Beebe. He said, “It’s a serious issue.”
Regarding vehicles passing school buses with the stop sign out, he said “we’ve been very aggressive with our campaign on that.”
He warned, “We don’t need you in the driver’s seat, we just need your licence plate, and we will knock on your door and lay charges.”
In the meantime, Beebe indicated that their focus involves “education, enforcement and engagement.”
