Next month, Hamilton Police Service will start rolling out Body-Worn Cameras (BWC) on officers. The program was approved by the Hamilton Police Services Board last June. For members of the public who want to learn how the program will work, Hamilton Police have organized a public meeting on the implementation of Body-Worn Cameras. The meeting will take place at Hamilton Police Service Central Station on Thursday, February 20, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. A virtual option will also be available at https://tinyurl.com/CIS202520.

Since 2015, the Hamilton Police Service has been researching Body-Worn Cameras and closely monitored their effectiveness with other police services across the country. Currently, 17 police services in Ontario have implemented the technology, with another 18 considering adoption. Courts encourage the use of Body-Worn Cameras as they provide an impartial record of interactions between police and the public and can capture crucial evidence.

The program was ordinally estimated to cost $15.5 Million. That number has been decreased to $9.6 million spread over five years. The number of cameras has also been reduced from 650 to 500.

Hamilton Police have developed a 14-page protocol on the use of the cameras that covers when and how BWCs are to be used. Officers will undergo mandatory training before being issued a camera. The protocol indicates the cameras must be turned on when police arrive to conduct an investigation or an enforcement. Other recording circumstances include:

• Statements in the field by victims or witnesses
• While engaged in a pursuit
• Performing a traffic stop
• Placing an individual in a police cruiser
• Performing a search with the exception of a strip search

The protocol lays out procedures for ensuring the unit is charged and properly worn. It also provides a number of instances where the use of the camera is not allowed.

The full protocol document for Body-Worn Cameras follows.

Some councillors eyed city spending related to the Hamilton light rail transit project, bike lanes, climate change, tenant protections and the police service on Wednesday but were unable to agree on where to find more savings.

The Ontario NDP says it will ask the province's integrity commissioner to look into a social media post featuring video from PC Leader Doug Ford's trip to Washington, D.C.

The Middlesex-London Health Unit issued a cold weather warning for early Friday morning as wind chill values are expected to drop to -20. Warming centres will be open throughout the city.

Oxford County OPP say a person from Tillsonburg is facing charges as they continue to investigate allegations of fraud at a Norwich retirement home, east of London.

The Windsor/Essex County Humane Society invites the community Follow the Yellow Brick Road to the highly anticipated Wizard of Paws Gala, set to take place on Friday, April 5, 2024 at the Caboto Club.

This magical evening inspired by the beloved Wizard of Oz, promises to whisk guests away to a world where hearts are big, courage is celebrated, and every animal deserves a place to call home.

This year’s gala will be a spectacle of live entertainment, featuring captivating performances by theatre actors who will bring iconic songs from The Wizard of Oz and Wicked to life, and an electrifying live show by Big Wiggle—one of Windsor-Essex’s most popular bands.

Guests will enjoy a gourmet dinner, bid on exciting items in our silent and live auctions, and hear heartwarming stories of rescue animals who have found their forever homes.

Early Bird Pricing – Act Fast!

Don’t miss out on special early bird ticket pricing, available until Wednesday, February 21, 2024. Secure your spot at this premier event while taking advantage of discounted rates.

Tickets can be purchased online at windsorhumane.org/gala or by calling 519-966-5751.

We can’t wait to welcome our community to this extraordinary evening, where we’ll celebrate the power of compassion and the difference we can make together,” said Lynnette Bain, Executive Director of the Windsor/Essex County Humane Society. “Every ticket purchased helps provide shelter, medical care, and a second chance for vulnerable animals.” 

For more information, sponsorship opportunities, or to purchase tickets, visit windsorhumane.org/gala or contact the Windsor/Essex County Humane Society at 519-966-5751 or [email protected].

Join us for a night of wonder and generosity—because there’s no place like a forever home!

The post Humane Society Announces Wizard Of Paws Gala on April 5 appeared first on Kingsville Times.

Figure skaters from across the Province will flock to the Atlas Tube Centre this weekend as Skate Lakeshore hosts its first Provincial Series Competition February 14 – 16, 2025.

“The Skate Ontario Provincial Series is a figure skating competition series that allows athletes to qualify for the Skate Ontario Provincial Championships,” explains Danielle Stuebing, Skate Lakeshore Competition Chair.

“We are so excited to have been selected as a first-time host for this event, which is geared at high level competitors of Star 5 plus.”

The Municipality of Lakeshore is pleased to be the host community for this event. 

“On behalf of Lakeshore’s communities, we are thrilled to welcome figure skaters from across Ontario as they compete for a spot at the Provincial Championships. Thank you to the hardworking members of Skate Lakeshore who helped to bring this event to our municipality. We hope that all skaters, along with family, friends, coaches, and volunteers who make their participation possible, can enjoy all that our municipality has to offer,” said Lakeshore Mayor Tracey Bailey.

Skate Lakeshore is thankful to the local community who have helped fulfil the many volunteer opportunities associated with hosting an event of this size. 

“It takes many hands to put on an event of this caliber,” Breault Stuebing adds.  “We are so grateful to the more than 100 volunteers who have signed up to support this event.”

Spectators are welcome to the competition.

Admission is $7 per person or $5 with the donation of a non-perishable item for the local Community Support Centre.

Skate Lakeshore is a not-for-profit organization that strives to make skating fun for everyone. It is run by a small group of dedicated volunteers and offers skating programs that range from age 3 to adult.

The post Skate Lakeshore Hosts Its First Provincial Series Competition appeared first on Kingsville Times.

Ontario Offering Free Fishing February 15 to 17

This upcoming Family Day weekend, families can fish for free in Ontario without the need to buy a fishing licence or Outdoors Card.

If you are fishing for free during the Family Day weekend, all conservation licence catch limits, size limits, sanctuaries and all other fishing regulations and rules still apply.

Before you head out, prioritize safety by checking ice conditions with local operators or anglers. Clear blue ice is the strongest, while white or honeycombed ice is weaker. Let someone know your fishing plans and wear proper gear for safety and comfort.

For more information, check out what you need to know about free family fishing in Ontario.

Canadian residents participating in free fishing periods must carry identification issued by the provincial or federal government, showing their name and date of birth.

Outside of free fishing periods, most people between the ages of 18 and 64 must have an Outdoors Card and a licence to fish. All veterans and active Canadian Armed Forces members residing in Ontario can enjoy free recreational fishing in the province, whenever and wherever fishing is allowed.

Ontario fishing licences can be purchased online at huntandfishontario.com. If buying online, always look for the Ontario logo. You can also purchase in person at participating ServiceOntario or authorized licence issuer locations.

Additional Resources:

Purchase a fishing licence

Fishing in Ontario

Find a new fishing spot using Fish ON-Line

Guide to eating Ontario fish

Explore planned family fishing events

Image by chulmin1700 from Pixabay

The post Free Fishing this Family Day Weekend February 15-17 appeared first on Kingsville Times.

Who by Water

by (author) Greg Rhyno

After barely surviving her last case, Dame Polara has traded in the life of a part-time private eye for one of a single working mom.

But when the police name her a suspect in her ex-husband’s mysterious drowning, Dame has no choice but to investigate his death herself and work alongside Rachel Suarez, the former friend who ruined her marriage.

Dame’s sleuthing brings her to the city’s dive bars, industrial ports, and eventually, to Toronto Island, where she encounters a community of secretive artists and reclusive musicians.

Soon, Dame uncovers sinister evidence that an old enemy has resurfaced, and she realizes that before she can discover what happened to the man she once loved, she’ll have to confront the woman who once tried to destroy her.

About the author

Greg Rhyno’s profile page

To purchase Who by Water

Amazon – Click here to buy  
Indigo – Click here to buy

The post 49th Shelf: Who By Water appeared first on Kingsville Times.

As Ontario's snap winter election campaign reaches its halfway point, Progressive Conservatives' main opponents are still scrambling to pitch themselves to voters, while polls suggest the incumbents maintain a significant lead.

After heavy snow hit much of southern Ontario Wednesday night, schools in the Hamilton, Brantford and Burlington areas are closed, while schools in Niagara remain open, though buses are cancelled. McMaster University is closed today as well.

Provincial police and Ontario's Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) are investigating after a Central Elgin family's two pet German Shepherds were shot and killed in their backyard during a coyote hunt over the weekend. 

Winter storm and snowfall warnings cover all of eastern Ontario and western Quebec Thursday. They're expected to lift south to north from late morning until evening.

All school buses for the Catholic and public school boards are cancelled Thursday as the London area digs itself out from an overnight snowstorm.

Several school boards in the Greater Toronto area have closed their schools on Thursday after a winter storm blanketed the city with snow overnight.

As the federal government's tax holiday comes to an end, some experts and business owners say it wasn't worth the extra work it put on businesses — even if some numbers suggest that spending increased slightly over the last few months. 

There may be plenty of social media posts offering dating and relationship advice, but relationship experts say to be cautious about taking tips and tricks from strangers online when navigating new relationships.

Residents of Liberty Village, Fort York say city efforts aren't preventing attacks on pet dogs. A local councillor wants to hear from the community before drafting a long-term plan to address the issue.

Big Bandemic first came together practicing over video calls during the pandemic. Now, the 17-piece brass band is filling London's Aeolian Hall with jazz music from days gone by this Sunday for an afternoon Valentine's concert.

Mayor Andrea Horwath says steel is the "beating heart" of Hamilton, and that's why, in the face of U.S. tariffs, she wants all levels of government to start prioritizing its use in public infrastructure projects. 

During a news conference, Doug Ford was asked what success would be out of the Washington trip and set a rather high bar with his answer: "What success looks like is zero tariffs."

Trump says Canada is the problem when it comes to drugs. New data from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) shows this country has a reason to worry about what's pouring in from the U.S.

Longtime MPP John Yakabuski, 67, isn't running for re-election. Voters in Renfrew–Nipissing–Pembroke are now tasked with replacing the popular politician, and laying out a to-do list for his replacement.

Ottawa city councillors have passed a motion to accelerate a move to loosen zoning rules for shelters in all but rural communities, despite some concerns about stifling public dissent.

The incumbent faces a new crop of contenders this time around.