Current News Releases

July 14th, 2019

On January 30, 2019 the Gananoque Police Service received a complaint regarding some irregularities with respect to the finances of a local charitable organization. On July 14, 2019, after a lengthy investigation, a 52-year-old male from Gananoque was charged with Fraud Over $5000, Theft Over $5000 and Criminal Breach of Trust. The male was released to appear in court at a later date.

July 9th, 2019

On July 9th, the Gananoque Police Service received a complaint of an incident that had taken place on July 8th, 2019. An adult male victim advised that he had been threatened by another male. The 50-year-old male suspect was upset over a previous encounter, when he approached the victim uttering death threats and brandishing a weapon. The victim was in a vehicle and able to leave the area prior to any further incident.

Where the accused was on probation, he was charged for Uttering Death Threats, Assault with a Weapon, and Breach of Probation. He was held in custody for a show cause hearing.

July 9th, 2019

On July 9th, 2019, Gananoque Police responded to a third party complaint of a 27 year old male said to be breaching probation conditions related to domestic violence charges. The male was located and found to be in breach of 2 conditions of his Probation Order. He was arrested and held in custody for a show cause hearing.

July 4th, 2019

On July 4th, 2019 a 26 year old male was arrested by OPP for outstanding warrants held by Gananoque Police. The warrants stemmed from a Fraud investigation and were issued when the male failed to attend court. He was returned to GPS’s custody and held for a show cause hearing.

July 5th, 2019

On July 5, 2019 at approximately 6pm, Gananoque Police Service were called to assist a male that appeared to be intoxicated. Where the male was observed to be unable to stand and intoxicated by alcohol, he was arrested for being intoxicated in a public place. In the process of the arrest it was discovered that the male was also wanted out of two different jurisdictions. The 31 year old male was held for OPP whom in turn held the male for a show cause hearing for other alcohol related offences.

June 27th, 2019

On Thursday June 27th, 2019 Gananoque Police Service were called to assist OPP in dealing with a possible impaired driver at a local business. Upon arrival, officers were directed to a female that had been observed attempting to leave the premise in her vehicle. While doing so, the female driver struck a vehicle parked adjacent hers. Staff members intervened, preventing her from driving any further.

The driver was arrested and testing revealed that the driver’s Blood Alcohol Concentration was more than twice the legal limit. At the time of this incident, her drivers license was disqualified from a previous Impaired Driving conviction.

The driver was subsequently charged for the offences of Operating a Conveyance with a Blood Alcohol Concentration of Over .80mgs and Driving While Disqualified. Her vehicle was impounded for 7 days.

Please remember, if you are going to be drinking, plan ahead. Always have a sober designated driver or use a taxi service. On behalf of the Gananoque Police Service, have a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend!

June 24th, 2019

On June 24, 2019 in the early morning hours the Gananoque Police Service were contacted for a known male who had been continually attending a residence in Gananoque. The male had previously been spoken to by police to refrain from contacting or attending the residence. Upon officer’s arrival, the male had approached the residence and was engaged with the residents in a heated verbal exchange. The male uttered threats to burn down the residence. The accused - a 25-year-old male from Gananoque - was arrested for Criminal Harassment x 2 and Utter Threats to Cause Damage to Property x 2. The accused was held in custody pending a bail hearing.

June 25th, 2019

On June 25, 2019 as a result of an ongoing investigation, officers arrested a 71-year-old Gananoque male for an ongoing neighbor dispute. The dispute escalated over a 4-month period to the accused committing several criminal offences during this time period. The accused made threatening gestures and comments towards the accused. The accused was arrested for Assault x 3, Utter threats x 1, and Failing to Comply with a Probation Order from an unrelated matter. The accused was held in custody pending a bail hearing.

June 23rd, 2019

On June 23rd 2019 at approximately 4am, Gananoque Police Service were called and advised that an unknown vehicle had struck numerous parked cars on King Street East and fled the scene. The impact of the collisions had caused the suspect vehicle to leak fluid which officers subsequently followed westbound on King Street. The vehicle was soon located abandoned on the side of the road, west of Gananoque.

Anyone with information involving this incident is asked to contact Gananoque Police at 613 382 4422.

Callers can always remain anonymous by contacting Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or contacting Gananoque Police and asking to remain anonymous.

June 21st, 2019

In the early hours of June 21st, 2019, the Gananoque Police were contacted by a concerned citizen regarding a domestic incident involving a couple in a moving vehicle on King Street East. Officers located the subject vehicle and determined that the couple involved were travelling in the vehicle and became involved in an argument. The argument escalated resulting in the male driver assaulting the female passenger. Police arrested the 56-year-old Lansdowne man for domestic assault. He was released from custody and will appear in court at a later date.

June 21st, 2019

The Gananoque Police were called to Gananoque Secondary School regarding an assault that occurred off school property between two students. Officers attended and determined that the involved students were known to each other and had problems with each other previously. The victim and a friend were walking on King Street East at the time of the incident. The suspect approached the victim, grabbed him by the throat and threw him to the ground.

The incident was reported after the fact and police later arrested the 15-year-old suspect. The young person was charged with one count of assault and will appear in court at a later date.

June 14th, 2019

On June 14, 2019 officers with the Gananoque Police Service while on routine patrol observed a 24-year-old Gananoque man. The man was currently before the court on several theft and possession of stolen property related charges. The male was determined to be wanted on an outstanding committal warrant issued by Brockville Court for the male’s surety removing themselves. The male was arrested without incident and taken back to Brockville Jail.

June 15th, 2019

On June 15, 2019 at approx. 2:32AM officers with the Gananoque Police Service conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle being operated by a male driver on King Street East, Gananoque. The vehicle was stopped for being operated without rear lights and for failing to stop at a red light. The driver exhibited signs of impairment. Officers conducted a roadside Standard Field Sobriety Test which resulted in the male’s arrest for impaired operation. The male was evaluated by a Drug Recognition Expert Officer and as a result of the evaluation the male was charged with impaired operation by drug. The male’s Driver’s License was administratively suspended for 90 days and his vehicle was impounded for 7 days. The male will appear in court at a later date to answer to the charge.

June 2nd, 2019

On June 2, 2019 at 5:25 PM officers respond to a 2-motor vehicle collision on Pine Street, Gananoque. As a result of the investigation, it was determined a 72-year-old female from Gananoque had been operating a motor vehicle and struck an unattended vehicle. The female exhibited signs of impairment and was arrested at the scene and transported to police headquarters. The female provided breath samples and they registered one and a half times the legal limit of blood alcohol concentration permitted while operating a motor vehicle. The female was charged with Impaired Drive and Over 80 and will appear in court to answer to the charges at a later date. Her vehicle was impounded for 7 days and she received an immediate 90-day administrative driver’s license suspension.

May 31, to June 2, 2019 - Targeted Traffic Enforcement

During the 3-day period of May 31 to June 2nd - 27 Highway Traffic Act violations were issued. Charges included, Suspended Driving, Speeding, Expired Validation Tag, No Mudguards, Cell Phone, Seat Belt, Unnecessary Noise, Red Light, Lane Light Violation, and Insurance Act Charges.

June 2nd, 2019
The annual Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics will take place on Tuesday June 4, 2019 in the Town of Gananoque, ON. The run will include athletes, students, and local area Law Enforcement from The Gananoque Police Service, Ontario Provincial Police and Canada Border Services. The event will commence at 9:00AM at Home Hardware located at 875 Stone St. North Gananoque.

The event is intended as a fundraiser to help local athletes raise money for their travel expenses and registration fees, as well as to help build awareness for the Special Olympics movement in Ontario.

History And Mission

With the endorsement of the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police, the first Law Enforcement Torch Run in Canada was held in 1987 and generated $100,000 in funds with the participation of Law Enforcement personnel from Southern Ontario. Nationally, the run has become an annual event across Canada. In Ontario alone, in excess of $30 million has been raised, establishing it as one of the most profitable torch run relationships in the world.

The success and support of the Law Enforcement Torch Run over the years has been phenomenal. Since the torch began its partnership with Special Olympics Ontario, the number of registered athletes has grown from under 4,000 to greater than 26,000 athletes today.

May 17th, 2019

On May 17th, 2019 Gananoque Police Service were called to a local business where a male had just left the store in possession of several unpaid items. Upon arrival, police were advised that the male was observed walking to an area nearby, before returning to another business. The male was located trying to flee the second business on his bicycle. When police approached him, he was observed discarding stolen merchandise as he fled. The male was arrested without incident and taken into custody.

A search of the nearby area turned up several items stolen from the first business.

As a result, the male was charged with Shoplifting offences, as well as breaching conditions of his Probation. He was and held in custody for a show cause hearing.

May 14th, 2019

In the early morning hours of May 8, 2019, the Gananoque Fire Department received a 911 call reporting a structure fire at a residence in the West residential area of Gananoque.

Further investigation revealed that the fire had been deliberately set by unknown person(s).

The Gananoque Police are interested in speaking with anyone who may have information relating to the above noted incident. Witnesses can contact the Gananoque Police Service at 613-382-4422, or can provide anonymous information by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

May 14th, 2019

"Distracted Driving Ruins Lives. Drive Safe"

Gananoque Police Service today joined police services across Ontario in the fight against distracted driving. The 2019 Drive Safe! Campaign is a Province-wide initiative supported by the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP) designed to keep our roadways among the safest in North America. This year’s theme is "Distracted Driving Ruins Lives. Drive Safe."

The 2019 Drive Safe! (#DriveSafe) campaign features a booklet with information designed to make motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians more aware of what distracted driving is, the consequences of driving while distracted, and tips on how to avoid being distracted while on the road.

"Our roads and highways are among the safest in North America. But distracted driving is one of the leading causes of collisions, injuries, and deaths on our roadways," said Chief Garry Hull "Every day, people get behind the wheel and selfishly take their attention away from the road. That includes reading, eating, using their phone and GPS. We are proud to continue the fight along with our police partners across Ontario to save lives on our roads."

Research has shown that distracted drivers are three times more likely to be in a crash than attentive drivers. A shocking 80% of collisions and 65% of near crashes have some form of driver inattention as contributing factors.

The 2019 OACP Drive Safe! Campaign is supported by the following community partners: Accident Support Services International, Canadian Tire Corporation, Canpar Express, ArriveAlive.org, Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO), Lyft, Smart Serve Ontario, The Beer Store, and Trillium Gift of Life Network.

April 6th, 2019

On April 6, 2019 officers while on routine patrol observed a known male who was seated in the rear of a motor vehicle. Further investigation determined the male to be wanted for breach of probation. Officers conducted a traffic stop that resulted in the arrest of the 37-year-old male from Brockville.

Prior to the arrest the male attempted to conceal items within the car that were on his person. Subsequent investigation resulted in officers locating a "stun gun" that was determined to be fully functional.

The male was also on probation and 10 years weapons prohibition for previous related violent offences. The accused was charged with probation, weapon prohibitions and several weapons related offences.

The accused was held in custody pending a bail hearing.

Telephone Scams

The Gananoque Police Service is reminding people to verify the legitimacy of any organization that calls asking for funds from the public, and to only provide personal information, credit card information and banking information to reliable and confirmed sources.

Credit Card Fraud Scams

The Gananoque Police Service is reminding the public to verify the legitimacy of any organization that calls advising a credit or debit card has been compromised and requests personal information, credit card information or banking information. This can be done by calling the credit card company or banking institution directly.

Canada Revenue Agency Phone Calls

The Gananoque Police have received several complaints from concerned citizens who have been receiving calls from individuals who claim to work for Revenue Canada. The caller demands payment for money owed from past income tax years, sometimes using aggressive tactics and ultimatums. Citizens are reminded that these types of calls are fraudulent and should be ignored. Additionally, citizens should never give financial or personal information out over the phone to non-trusted sources. For more information, the CRA has issues an advisory on this matter, or visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre’s website at www.antifraudcentre.ca to learn more about this and other popular scams.

Door-to-Door Solicitors

Recently many Gananoque residents have again been the target of door-to-door solicitors using questionable tactics.
The Gananoque Police Service reminds citizens to be cautious when it comes to allowing strangers into their homes. Although many door-to-door sales campaigns involve legitimate companies the tactics used by some canvassers cause concern for some residents.
Please remember that you are not obligated to allow anyone into your home. Legitimate door-to-door canvassers usually have identification cards and literature explaining who they are and the products and services they are offering. Don’t allow the canvassers to pressure you into completing a transaction with claims such as "this is a one-time only deal" or "after today the price goes up". Take the time to research the product or service and "read the fine print" before making a financial commitment.
Residents are also encouraged to report the negative experience to the company that the solicitors are representing. Most companies welcome such feedback as they do not want their corporate image affected negatively by such behaviour from their employees. If, however, you feel you have been the target of a scam, fraud or aggressive tactics, please report the incident to police. Additionally, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre can be contacted at 1-888-495-8501 to report a fraud and to receive more information about frauds and scams. For further information visit their website at www.antifraudcentre.ca.

OPPA not soliciting funds for its Community Bear Program

The Gananoque Police Service has received a number of inquiries from Gananoque residents asking about telephone calls they have received soliciting funds for teddy bears for The Ontario Provincial Police Association (OPPA). The Gananoque Police Service is advising that the OPPA has confirmed that they do not solicit the public for its Community Bear Program and this is a confirmed scam.
The Gananoque Police Service is reminding people to verify the legitimacy of any organization that calls to solicit funds from the public, and to only provide personal information, credit card information and banking information to reliable and confirmed sources.

The Gananoque Police Service has received several complaints of vehicles failing to stop for local school buses which have their flashing lights activated and children boarding the bus.
We would like to remind drivers to remain vigilant when on the roads during the morning and afternoon hours.


When driving on a road WITHOUT a median:

• drivers travelling in both directions must stop for a stopped school bus with its upper red lights flashing.
• when you approach the bus from the front, stop at a safe distance to let children get on or off the bus and cross the road.
• when approaching from the rear, drivers should maintain an approximate 20 metre space.
• do not move forward until the red lights have stopped flashing or the bus begins to move.

Drivers can be charged if they pass a stopped school bus with its upper red lights flashing:

• First offence: $400 to $2,000 and six demerit points.
• Each following offence: $1,000 to $4,000, six demerit points and possible jail time (up to six months).
• Vehicle owners can also be charged if their vehicle illegally passes a stopped school bus, even if they weren't driving.
• If the vehicle owner does not pay the fine, they will not be able to renew the vehicle's permit.

Today, with all the shopping transactions that take place daily online, the Gananoque Police Service understands that you may feel uncomfortable meeting a stranger to complete an internet transaction. This Service encourages individuals to use the Gananoque Emergency Services parking lot as a "Safe Exchange Spot" for your internet purchases. Our station is under video surveillance and staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.