Wilberforce Area Police Volunteer Association

Our summer so far.

2008-07-16T10:55:00.003-04:00

The association provided security for the recent Black Fly Festival which took place on July 5th. No incidents were reported and everyone had a great time at the event, which was a great success.

WAPVA members also controlled traffic in downtown Wilberforce when the road was closed for the annual Canada Day Celebrations.

Nightly patrols by association members continue throughout Wilberforce checking businesses and residents.

'08 Roast Beef Dinner, Best Yet!

2008-06-10T15:49:00.002-04:00

WAPVA's annual Roast Beef Dinner was overwhelming success this year. A record turn-out enjoyed an excellent meal prepared by our dedicated volunteers. Many thanks to all those who helped prepare and those who attended the fund raiser.

Join us for dinner!

2008-05-13T11:23:00.003-04:00

WAPVA will be hosting its annual roast beef dinner fund raiser this Saturday, May 17th. Dinner will be served at the Lloyd Watson Centre from 4:30PM to 7:00PM. Come out and show your support.

Adults $11 each. Children aged 12 & under $5.

WAPVA President made Fire Chief

2007-11-11T13:30:00.000-05:00

WAPVA's President, Bill Wingrove, has been made Fire Chief of the Highlands East Fire Department and will continue to serve as President of the Police Association in addition to his duties as Fire Chief. Bill served as the Fire Chief after the amalgamation of Highlands East and most recently served as station commander of Station 4 (Wilberforce). Congratulations Bill.

Out with the old ...

2007-11-09T07:57:00.000-05:00

The Wilberforce Area Police Volunteer Association is pleased to welcome visitors to its newly redesigned website, blog.wapva.org. The site is still accessible via www.wapva.org and still has all the previous news and content of the old site (pictured below), which can be viewed by visiting wapva.org/classic although no new content will be located there.

Click photo to enlarge. Click here to view classic site.

The new site is based on the Blogger platform, which is feature rich and makes it easier for visitors to find information and keep up to date. Visitors can subscribe to the site via RSS and have news updates delivered to them whenever the site is updated. Labels, located at the right make it easy to display only the type of content and information you are interested in. And the Archives makes it easy to find information based on the date it was added to the website.

Development of the new site has been made possible by Aaron Berning and Industry Canada's Community Access Program.

ATVs, Indentity Theft and Pancakes

2007-04-07T10:47:00.000-04:00

WAPVA members served pancakes and knowledge during the annual Pancake Breakfast in Wilberforce, using the opportunity to inform the public on Identity Theft as well as the rules and regulations regarding All Terrain Vehicles. The information is also available for download in .pdf format below:

Identity Theft Brochure | Highlands East ATV Bylaw | ATV Info Sheet

Get Adobe Reader

WAPVA, OPP See Decrease In Crime

2007-02-05T10:35:00.000-05:00

Recent OPP reports show that there has been a decrease in crime in the Wilberforce area over recent months and that Wilberforce had the lowest stats of all nearby areas by comparison.

Executive 2007

2007-02-01T10:41:00.000-05:00

President: Bill Wingrove

Vice President: Ed Otto

Treasurer: Pat Simiana

Secretary: Alanna Angus-Coles

Directors: Pat Atikinson, Ross Covert, Donald Outram, Douglas Knox, Florence Wilson, Don Wilson

2006 Annual Report

2007-02-01T10:37:00.000-05:00

The annual report for 2006 is available for download in .pdf format.

Get Adobe Reader

Members Memorial

2007-01-10T10:22:00.000-05:00

WAPVA has commemorated its members who have passed away with a plaque, located in the Highlands East Council Chambers. It is important to honor the memory of those who have helped WAPVA, and the community, grow and develop into what it is today.

Click on the photo to enlarge.

A Brief History

2007-01-05T10:00:00.000-05:00

WAPVA was formed at the request of the OPP and Senior Officers Ron Buchanen and Ken Wesley in August 1993. Officially formed at the Lloyd Watson center in Wilberforce with 12 members in attendance. Membership has grown in excess of 100 and the association has had offices in Harcourt, Gooderham and Wilberforce but now operates solely out of its office in Wilberforce.

The Former Harcourt Office
The First Executive Members

The forming executive members of the Wilberforce Area Police Volunteer Association are pictured above. From left to right (back row) Ron Buchanen, Bob Cumming, John Goverde, Don Wilson, Ken Wesley, (front row) Kathy Agnew, Pat Simiana, Evelyn Hemphill and Allan Ablett.

John Goverde served as President of the association since its formation until he moved away from the area in 2006.

Services & Activities

2007-01-01T09:47:00.000-05:00

The Wilberforce Area Police Volunteer Association acts as the eyes and ears for the OPP and assists them upon request. Volunteers patrol the towns at night to guarantee that all businesses, schools and municipal buildings are secure and that the doors are locked. WAPVA also conducts an annual cottage check, securing and tagging over 1,500 seasonal residences. In addition WAPVA also patrols cottage roads by car, snowmobile and ATV.

WAPVA offers the Home & Cottage Video Identification Program, as well as the finger printing of children at school fun days. The Association directs traffic as requested and also aids the OPP in Search And Rescue (SAR) operations.

Updates

2006-11-10T13:12:00.000-05:00

Members were out for the Agriculture Fair providing around the clock security for two
days, provided supervision during Halloween and this past Remembrance Day acting President Ed Otto placed a wreath at the Cenotaph on behalf of association members while members directed traffic for the parade. WAPVA will also be assisting with the upcoming Santa Claus Parade.

It was with regret that WAPVA had to close the Harcourt office on Elephant Lake Rd. The office was no longer needed by Police and the cost of keeping it open was too high, its closure will not impact association services to the area.

WAPVA is now starting its annual Cottage Check, so remember to lock up!

Spring '06 Update

2006-06-04T13:16:00.000-04:00

Things have been relatively quiet for 2006 so far, as members have only been out to two accidents directing traffic and assisting the Highlands East Fire Department.

WAPVA's annual Roast Beef Dinner took place as always, and despite slightly lower attendance from last year everything went well and the event was enjoyed by all.

As of June 27, 2006 John Goverde will be stepping down as WAPVA President as he is moving out of the area. Current Vice President Ed Otto will be taking his place until January when elections will be held for the new Executive. John was recently honoured for his contributions to WAPVA and our community, and we'd like to reiterate our thanks for all that he has done and wish him all the best.

2005 Annual Report

2006-01-26T13:23:00.000-05:00

The annual report for 2006 is available for download in .pdf format.

Get Adobe Reader

Executive 2006

2006-01-14T13:20:00.000-05:00

President: John Goverde

Vice President: Ed Otto

Treasurer: Pat Simiana

Secretary: Alanna Coles

Directors: Pat Atikinson, Donald Outram, Douglas Knox, Florence Wilson, Don Wilson, Viateur "Vic" Poulin

Fall News

2005-11-12T13:28:00.000-05:00

3 October: WAPVA received a call regarding an ATV, members checked it out and found that it was hotwired. The OPP was called, and they later confirmed that it was stolen.

12 October: A boy was reported missing around 8:30AM and police were called in to search. WAPVA members went out to assist in the search along with employees of the Roads Department. The combined group used ATVs, Dogs, Foot Patrols and an OPP helicopter in the search, the boy was found at approximately 4:00PM.

20 October: Search parties organized by WAPVA found two elderly men, at 11:30PM, that went missing around 3:30PM in the Harcourt Park area.

31 October: Police Association members were out for Halloween to ensure that trick-or-treaters had a safe and fun night.

6 November: The hydro was off for seven hours and members patrolled the town and checked the seniors complex every hour to make sure all were ok. The association also had the generator going at the medical center in case of emergencies.

11 November: In addition to placing a wreath on the Cenotaph in Wilberforce, WAPVA members were out directing traffic during the ceremonies.

Summer News Update

2005-09-28T13:29:00.000-04:00

WAPVA, as usual, has been very busy during the summer months. In addition to our annual Roast Beef Dinner, which was a great success and raffling off a load of logs to winner Jack Carr from Benior Lk., WAPVA members have been assisting with festivities such as Country Good Times and the Agricultural Fair directing traffic and providing security. In addition to these positive activities, WAPVA has also been occupied with tending to numerous alarms going off due to break-ins. We have been working with the Minden and Bancroft branches of the OPP to get a handle on the situation, patrolling with ATVs and stepping up cottage checks. Members also found a stolen jet ski which was returned to the rightful owner with the assistance of the OPP.

WAPVA would once again like to urge all cottage owners to make sure that their residences are secure and that any recreational vehicles such as boats and ATVs are properly secured as we will soon be out in force for our annual Cottage Check.

WAPVA President John Goverde Honoured

2005-03-22T15:17:00.000-05:00

On March 22nd WAPVA held a surprise party to honour John Goverde, who has been President of the Association since it began in 1993. John was presented with a plaque from WAPVA by Ed Otto, Vice President of the Association and Reeve Keith Tallman from the Municipality of Highlands East gave a framed letter to John. Also present was retired OPP officer Ron Buchanan who, with Ken Wesley, were the officers that got the Association started. John was surprised and grateful, thanked everyone and went on to say that the WAPVA members should be the ones honoured, because they are the backbone of the Association.

OPP to WAPVA: "Thank you."

2005-02-25T15:27:00.000-05:00

WAPVA recently received a letter of gratitude from the Regional Commander of Central Region OPP, expressing thanks in regards to the Association's support during the Shooting Incident in Wilberforce.

The letter states, "[We are] sure you can appreciate how grateful these officers were to have a hot meal served to them after a long and stressful day, which occurred in less than desirable weather conditions." And continues, "... your support of our officers was most appreciated and subject to many positive comments by the officers involved in this incident."

Executive 2005

2005-02-02T15:39:00.000-05:00

President: John Goverde

Vice President: Ed Otto

Treasurer: Pat Simiana

Secretary: Alanna Coles

Directors: Pat Atikinson, Donald Outram, Douglas Knox, Florence Wilson, Melvin Smith, Viateur 'Vic' Poulin

2004 Annual Report

2005-01-20T15:45:00.000-05:00

The annual report for 2004 is available for download in .pdf format.

Get Adobe Reader

Shooting In Wilberforce

2004-12-04T15:29:00.000-05:00

It was a busy Sunday for Association members as they assisted the O.P.P. in their search for suspect in a shooting. Some 40 officers took part in the manhunt, including a Tactical Response Unit, Emergency Response Units, a Canine Unit in addition to an O.P.P. helicopter and local-area officers. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody the same afternoon. WAPVA members were also kept very busy at the Wilberforce Curling Club, making sandwiches and refreshments throughout the day, and preparing a hot dinner for the 40-plus officers involved in the search.

A busy fall.

2004-11-12T15:50:00.000-05:00

An association member found a stolen ATV during a routine patrol, WAPVA worked with the O.P.P. to return it to its owner. The association recently purchased a generator for the Wilberforce Medical Center and OPP Sub-Office and has had the location wired to provide uninterrupted service in case of emergency or blackout. WAPVA members were once again out in full force in Wilberforce and Harcourt for Halloween, festivities were very quiet with no problems reported. Members most recently took part in Remembrance Day ceremonies, placing a wreath at the cenotaph in Wilberforce. Presently, association members are conducting the annual cottage-check.

For it's active role in making the community a better, safer place, the Municipality Of Highlands East presented WAPVA with a letter of appreciation.

Hail To The Chef

2004-08-15T15:51:00.000-04:00

The association held their annual potluck get together for all its members, to celebrate the work they do year-round. WAPVA also presented all those members who worked on the Annual Roast Beef Dinner fund-raiser, with a Certificate of Appreciation. The association also presented Gerda Goverde with a plaque for chairing this affair for the last 11 years.

Happenings

2004-08-12T15:55:00.000-04:00

WAPVA responded to a missing children call in June, but luckily the pair turned up safe and sound after only two hours.

July 14 & 15 saw WAPVA providing 24-hour security for two locations in downtown Wilberforce in response to undisclosed security issues. No problems arose, and the issues were quickly resolved.

The association once again provided security during Wilberforce's Country Good Times celebrations in July. Members were also out directing traffic and provided the OPP with assistance in dealing with a public nuisance, which was resolved without problems. WAPVA members were out for two nights in August as well, keeping an eye on the proceedings of the Agricultural Fair.

175 pounds of roast beef served to more than 300

2004-05-14T15:48:00.000-04:00

WAPVA would like to thank all the people that turned out out for our fund raising dinner, it was a huge success. 175-pounds of beef was carved up and over 300 people were served. A special thanks to the Chef, Gerda and all her staff. We would also like to thank Wilberforce I.G.A., Agnew's General Store, and Linkert's Country Bakery for all their support.

Executive 2004

2004-02-08T07:26:00.000-05:00

President: John Goverde

Vice President: Ed Otto

Treasurer: Pat Simiana

Secretary: Alanna Coles

Directors: Pat Atikinson, Bob Cumming, Donald Outram, Douglas Knox, Florence Wilson, Melvin Smith

2003 Annual Report

2004-02-02T07:31:00.000-05:00

The Association had a busy yet quiet year, with 56 calls, down from last year’s 61.

We celebrated our tenth anniversary this year. Where has the time gone? WAPVA was started in August of 1993 at the request of the OPP and under the leadership of officer Ron Buchanan and officer Ken Wesley.

Members were out assisting First Response on four occasions by directing traffic at some accidents, as well as assisting in the search and recovery of a 6 year old boy who was found after being lost for four hours. WAPVA also received two calls for assistance from the OPP.

WAPVA members found a snowmobile and a burned out car, both discoveries were reported to Police.

Numerous calls regarding alarms going off were reported this year, most were a direct result of the power outage, however all reports were checked out and the owners were notified. During the power outage, members patrolled the town and checked on the residents at the Maple View complex to make sure that everyone was alright.

One call no one wants to hear is ‘’Officer Down”. Our members were the first ones on the scene, along with First Response. WAPVA assisted the OPP with the investigation and search for the vehicle involved. Thanks to all the information and help of the public, an arrest was made a couple of days later.

Members provided security during Country Good Times and the Agricultural Fair. There were some problems during the set-up of the Fair, as someone was uttering death threats, Police were called and the suspect was taken into custody.

Our annual Roast Beef Dinner was a huge success. We had to close the doors early, as we were completely sold out. Thanks to all that came out and showed support. This year we also held a raffle on a load of logs that were donated to us, in order to raise some funds to offset the increasing cost of our operations. WAPVA would like to thank the person who made the donation. The draw was held during Country Good Times and the winner was Mr. Tallman of Peterborough, congratulations.

Members were out in full force in Wilberforce and Harcourt during Halloween to make sure all the children were safe and having a good time. Mission accomplished.

WAPVA members were also out a great deal checking and tagging Cottages. Places that were found to be open were locked up, and the owners were notified.

It was heart breaking after spending all day on Farquhar Lake checking cottages, to hear the next day that there were four places broken into and completely vandalized. Thanks go to the neighbor that was awakened during the night by the noise and who called the police. The two suspects were taken in to custody. WAPVA President, John Goverde went over to see what happened, and apologized to the owners who were nevertheless appreciative as to what WAPVA does and asked that the association please keep up the good work, knowing often members are checking the area.

After ten years some of the members are getting older, and this Cottage Check is a big job to monitor 1600 seasonal residences. WAPVA is looking for some new, younger people that would like to join the organization and help make a difference.

Please lets all work together so we can make a difference in keeping crime down and enjoy a Quiet, Safe and Peaceful Community.

10th Anniversary Ten Year Review

2004-01-01T07:34:00.000-05:00

1993:
In August, the OPP held a public meeting to see if there were people interested in forming a support group in the community. At that meeting nine people were present.

On September 21st we held our official meeting in the Township Board room.

On October 19th WAPVA established its Constitution and By-Laws.

1994:
The Association went public, and was quick in responding to some break and enters on Lorrain Lake and assisted the police in the arrest of two suspects. During the following meeting the members involved were presented with certificates of appreciation by Staff Sergeant Dennis Edlington.

In May the Association got their first two hand-held radios, to be used during the patrolling of the town at night.

During the Jennerich search the community got together and fed some 20 officers full course dinners for three weeks. A letter of appreciation was received from Sargeant Steve Adam and a plaque from 8 District Emergency Response Team.

1995:
On August 3rd members went out to search for two missing girls. Both girls were found in good shape and were reunited with their parents.

In December members took part in responding to a break and enter resulting in an ATV chase. Two suspects were taken into custody. A letter of appreciation was received from Chief Superintendent R.J.Eamer.

1996:
The fight was on to keep the Minden Detachment in Haliburton County.

August saw the search for two anglers lost at High Falls in Harcourt over night. Both were found the next morning.

1997:
In June, officer Ken Wesley retired and the Association put on a nice dinner in honor of Ken, inviting his wife as well as Mr. & Mrs. Ron Buchanan.

In November the association opened up its second office on Elephant Lake Road, near Harcourt. Thanks to the Late Chester Schwandt.

1998:
In April WAPVA received a $2500 grant from the Partners In Crime Program and purchased two new base stations and two mobile radios, one in Harcourt and one in Wilberforce.

In May, Minden OPP officially opened their new office.

1999:
Association purchased an ATV in May, and equipped it with a radio for their use as well for the Monmouth Fire Department.

2000:
In May the Association said thanks to all the local Businesses for their support over the years and presented them all with a plaque.

www.wapva.org was launched so the public can stay informed. The Association also made a donation to the OPP Summer Youth Camp Program.

2001:
WAPVA members along with the Monmouth Volunteer Fire Department secured the Wilberforce Elementary School during a bomb threat until the police cleared the school.

In May the Red Cross launched its National Personal Disaster program, the first of its kind in a rural area in Canada, made up by members of the Monmouth Fire Department and WAPVA.

The Association also sponsored the D.A.R.E. Program put on by the Minden OPP at the Wilberforce School.

In October, after amalgamation, at the request of our Reeve Keith Tallman, WAPVA expanded their operations to Gooderham, by opening up their third office.

2002:
The Association wrote letters to the Federal and Provincial Governments in regard to the pornography materials on the Internet, and what they are doing about it. Disappointingly WAPVA got little to no response.

2003:
The Association made a donation to Haliburton County Home Support Services for two Emergency Response Units to help seniors and physically disabled adults live a better life.

WAPVA held their Tenth Anniversary Roast Beef Dinner and invited the two retired officers who all started this, Ron Buchanan and Ken Wesley, along with their wives as well as Ernie and Evelyn Hemphill who both were on the first Executive.

Cottage Checks

2003-11-08T07:37:00.000-05:00

On November 17, after the hunting season, WAPVA members commenced the annual Cottage Check. Over 1600 seasonal residences are slated to be checked and tagged. Members have found and subsequently secured four cottages and one garage so far.

A Busy Fall

2003-11-06T15:47:00.000-05:00

B&E in Progress

2003-11-03T07:39:00.000-05:00

On November 18 the local Legion was burglarized while simultaneously four cottages were vandalized. Thanks to the fast action of a cottager who happened to hear a strange noise in the early morning and called the OPP who responded quickly and apprehended the two suspects as they were fleeing the scene. WAPVA would like to thank the cottager for their quick thinking.

Officer Down!

2003-08-26T07:40:00.000-04:00

On August 22nd WAPVA received an Officer Down call. WAPVA member were first on the scene were someone ran down and an officer with an ATV. The officer was taken to the Haliburton Hospital and members assisted the police to find the person and ATV involved. After a lengthy investigation and manhunt, a suspect was taken into custody.

WAPVA Security Details

2003-08-20T07:41:00.000-04:00

WAPVA members provided security during Country Good Times and Agricultural Fair, during which members took park in overnight security.

Accidents

2003-07-12T07:44:00.000-04:00

On July 3rd members assisted in directing traffic at a rollover on HWY 503, maintaining a detour for over two hours. On July 9th members responded to an accident in Wilberforce where a girl on a bike was hit by a van.

Fund-Raiser

2003-05-27T07:45:00.000-04:00

On May 17th WAPVA held its 10th Anniversary Roast Beef Dinner, a huge success being completely sold out. People came from all over Ontario - Kitchener, London, Ottawa - also present were Officers Ron Buchanan and Ken Wesley; the two officers that helped start WAPVA in 1993. Congratulations to Robert Tallman of Peterborough who won the Log Raffle. We would like to thank everyone who pitched in to help during the fund raiser, and those who took part in the raffle. We'll see you next year!

Lost & Found

2003-05-10T07:50:00.000-04:00

WAPVA received a call from the Monmouth Fire Department that there was a 6 year old boy missing around Bear Lake road, members assisted the Gooderham and Monmouth Fire Departments and the boy was found safe and sound about a mile away from his home.

Security In A Different Form

2003-04-06T07:51:00.000-04:00

WAPVA did its part to provide total freedom to the citizens of Haliburton County.
Members raised $600 and donated it to Haliburton County Home Support Services to purchase two Emergency Response Units. Called The Button, these units will provide a safe, comforting sense of independence and security to a person living alone, knowing that help would be on the way the minute they activated the unit.

WAPVA Honours VP

2003-01-15T07:54:00.000-05:00

After serving nine years on the Executive as Vice President, Don Wilson decided to retire. He served the Association extremely well, 24 hours around the clock, seven days a week . Don was always available when needed and will be missed. WAPVA presented Don with a plaque and a fifty-dollar gift certificate. Don will stay on as a member and can be called on when needed.

Executive 2003

2003-01-11T07:52:00.000-05:00

President: John Goverde

Vice President: Ed Otto

Treasurer: Pat Simiana

Secretary: Dorothy Ragnar

Directors: Pat Atkinson, Bob Cumming, Stan Niles, Douglas Knox, Ed Stukas, Florence Wilson, Gary Stoughton, Don Outram

2002 Annual Report

2003-01-08T08:02:00.000-05:00

The Association had a relatively quiet year, with 61 calls in total, down from 81 last year. Residents and Cottagers are taking advantage of the volunteer Police Association in this area, which will be celebrating its Tenth anniversary in 2003.

The overall activities log shows 61 calls including 3 accidents and 3 domestic calls.
Please note for domestic problems please call the Police. We are not police officers, we only help the police when they need the assistance. WAPVA is there for support, but the members will not, and can not get involved.

There were several calls in regards to alarms going off in Cottages, to which members responded to make sure all was safe and secure. Members were out directing traffic on several occasions, and provided security during Country Good Times and the Agricultural Fair. Members out on patrol found the school open on many occasions, and they have brought this to the attention of our local trustee and the school board.

Despite it being relatively quiet, we did however have some vandalism in and around
our local businesses and town properties. Please, let’s think about this for a minute. Is this really fair? We have all kinds of different volunteer groups in the Wilberforce Area, Boy Scouts, Girl Guides, Pathfinders, Minor Hockey, etc. and when they have anything going on, the first place they go is to the local businesses for donations or sponsorship. Please lets not forget it is them that support and keep most of these organizations going. When it comes to the Parks and Municipal Property, we all pay for it in our taxes, so we all lose. Don’t forget that some private people spend a lot of money and time fixing up our parks putting in flowers and shrubs and paid for it at no cost to the taxpayers so please, lets stop this vandalism and lets all enjoy what we have. It is all for the betterment of the Community. WAPVA is appealing to the public to assist us on this: if you see any problems, please try to talk to those causing the problem, and if you know them, talk to their parents as well, as they all want to stops this too.

The annual Roast beef dinner was down this year, remember, this is the only fundraiser we have to keep us going, and with the sharp increase in printing of tags, phone bills, gas and operating costs, we need your help.

This year members checked and tagged some 1700 locations and found four residences unsecured, in addition to one trailer in a trailer park. Members did lock them up where and when they could and contacted the owners. WAPVA would like to thank all those members and non-members that helped us on this major project. WAPVA members were also out on several occasions patrolling during power-outages. At one time, the power was off for nine and a half hours. During outages, members check local businesses as well as the Seniors Complex to make sure everybody is OK.

OPP Staff Sergeant Bob Walli reported that the B&E’s are down around 5 percent but that accidents, fatal accidents, and snowmobile accidents are all up.

WAPVA asks that we all work together, respect each other’s property and enjoy a crime-free community.

With your support and encouragement we look forward to serving you in the next year.

Thank-you all.

Jack-Knife

2002-11-25T08:05:00.000-05:00

WAPVA members were out for 4 hours drecting traffic on Essonville Line due to a Jack-Knifed tractor-trailer that was blocking the road. All Haliburton-to-Wilberforce traffic had to be detoured through Tory Hill until the road was cleared.

Over 1500 Cottages Checked

2002-11-22T08:05:00.000-05:00

WAPVA was out in full force for the annual Cottage Check, tagging and checking 1500+ seasonal residences. Roads will now be patrolled for strange vehicles and activities.

Thanks go out to the Cottage Association and everyone who donated money to WAPVA, funds will go towards the cost of having Cottage Check Tags printed.

Busy Times For WAPVA

2002-09-14T08:06:00.000-04:00

WAPVA has been very busy recently, holding an open house at the new Gooderham office. The open house, which was well attended, focused on Safe Boating. WAPVA members handed out Safe Boating Kits to all visitors.

WAPVA then contributed to Country Good Times security during dances, as well as controlling traffic during the parade.

Next up was the Haliburton County Emergency Services Day, a day to display all the services that are available to the public. The OPP, all local Fire Departments, Health Services, Ambulance Service, MNR, OPP Marine and Recovery, the Red Cross Unit and Community Policing groups (WAPVA) attended.

Gooderham Horseshoe Day was also attended by WAPVA members. This was followed by providing two days of overnight security at the Agricultural Fair.

WAPVA Targets Porn

2002-02-12T08:18:00.000-05:00

WAPVA has once again contacted the Attorney General of Canada, the Honourable Martin Cauchon, regarding unchanged Child Pornography legislation. John Goverde states, "All police departments deserve some backing from the Government," in regards to the revolving doors the laws provide for accused Child Pornographers. Goverde closes by asking, "Please let Canada be the first Country to stand up to this filth, by shutting down these [operations] and ... increasing the penalty for those found guilty."

WAPVA has yet to receive a response.

WAPVA Opens Third Sub-Office

2001-10-16T08:19:00.000-04:00

After a year of planning, following the creation of the newly amalgamated Highlands East municipality, and at the request of Reeve Tallman, the third sub-office for the Wilberforce & Area Police Volunteer Association was opened on October 27, 2001. Located in Gooderham inside the old township building, the new office will cover the former township of Glamorgan. Thanks to the Council members of Highlands East, and the WAPVA members who made the new branch possible.

D.A.R.E.

2001-06-22T08:28:00.000-04:00

Congratulations to the 19 Grade 6 students from the Wilberforce Elementary School after graduating from a year long DARE course; focused on resisting Drugs & Violence. The course is run by the Minden OPP and sponsored by WAPVA. The Grads were presented with a certificate and T-Shirt by Bob Walli, Laura Ostler, and John Goverde.

Groundbreaking Assistance Unit Created!

2001-06-17T08:20:00.000-04:00

WAPVA has recently joined forces with the Monmouth Volunteer Fire Department and launched the first Red Cross Personal Disaster Assistance Program. This program is the first of its kind in any rural community in Canada.

The pioneering unit consists of 8 people who are on call 24 hours a day and rotate every two weeks. This service is made possible by the Monmouth Fire Department and its first response team as well as the Canadian Red Cross.

WAPVA thanks long-time supporters.

2001-05-08T08:31:00.000-04:00

WAPVA presented Mel & Bessie Croft of Hyland Ice with a plaque, thanking them for their outstanding support over the last eight years.

Bomb Threat at Wilberforce School

2001-02-18T08:33:00.000-05:00

On 22 February at 12:35 PM a bomb threat was 'called in' to Wilberforce Elementary School. WAPVA responded, redirecting traffic and securing the area while the children and teachers were evacuated to the Fire Hall and Lloyd Watson Center. Meanwhile Volunteer Firemen laid hoses in case of a detonation. Two OPP Canine Units conducted a thorough search of the premises. No explosives were found and school resumed the next day.

An OPP Canine Unit prepares to conduct its search. Notice the hoses have already been laid, in case of detonation.

Firefighters wait for the OPP Canine Units to respond, while WAPVA keeps the area clear and directs traffic.

WAPVA makes community safer.

2001-02-08T08:39:00.000-05:00

At a recent Community Policing quarterly zone meeting, attended by 42 people, the OPP reported that property crimes are down almost 50% from last year. Officers and Reeve Keith Tallman praised WAPVA for making the community safer. In addition, WAPVA's activity log shows 49 incidents, down from 53 last year. Keep your EYES & EARS open!

Summer Security

2000-09-15T09:22:00.000-04:00

WAPVA provides overnight security for the various happenings taking place in Monmouth during July & August. WAPVA provided security for Country Good Times, The Agricultural Fair, and the Harcourt Ball Tournament. Activities ranged from Dance Security to Traffic Direction.

WAPVA questions the government on Net Porn

2000-09-09T08:40:00.000-04:00

John Goverde sent a letter to the Honourable Ann McLellan, Attorney General regarding WAPVA's concerns about the policing of Porn and other questionable content on the Internet. "We must look at our laws and make changes." Goverde wrote. "Computers, [the] Internet, and Cyberspace is the way everything is going and that is progress but it must be controlled and not ruin the minds of innocent children."

McLellan responded, "Like you, I am very concerned about pornographic materials depicting harmful and degrading acts. Perhaps most alarming is the evidence that links dehumanizing pornography with violence towards women." The Attorney General then outlined what the government has and will implement to combat the problem and included a link to Stop Child Pornography. McLellan closed by saying, "I can assure you that this government will continue to take the necessary steps ... to curb the flow of pornography."

Youth Camp

2000-07-21T09:23:00.000-04:00

WAPVA donated $100 dollars to the OPP Summer Youth Camp Program. Campers go to the Toronto Zoo, Canada's Wonderland and take part in various other activities. The program took place from July 9 - 15 2000.

Helo Landing

2000-07-05T09:25:00.000-04:00

WAPVA aided the Monmouth Volunteer Fire Department in the rescue of an accident victim. WAPVA cleared the ball diamond and preparing it for the landing of the Air-Ambulance.

WAPVA says 'Thanks' to local Businesses

2000-05-23T09:23:00.000-04:00

WAPVA president John Goverde presented plaques of appreciation to the Owners of Agnews General Store - Murray & Cathy Agnew, Linkert's Country Bakery - Janet Barker, and Wilberforce IGA - Craig McDonald.

Goverde said, "You've all been quite supportive to our organization and [to] the community as a whole. Maybe we should do this more often."

School Fun Day

1999-09-23T09:25:00.000-04:00

WAPVA attended the Wilberforce Elementary School's 'Fun Day' taking place in September. WAPVA made fingerprints of the children, took pictures and handed out information and gave out stickers.

Road Relief

1998-04-08T09:27:00.000-04:00

WAPVA patrolled the washout of the Hadlington road during the dramatic spring thaws experienced during the spring. WAPVA quickly organized a overnight patrol of the road washout, upon a moments notice.

Breaker, Breaker

1998-04-02T09:29:00.000-05:00

WAPVA received a $2,500 grant from the provincial government to purchase radios. The radios are used to coordinate cottage check services as well as regular night patrols and other operations.